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China’s first methanol bunkering vessel starts operation after equipment retrofit

“Hai Gang Zhi Yuan” arrived at Zhoushan Putuo Changhong Shipyard on 22 September for the retrofit that lasted for 113 days and was equipped with an advanced methanol fuel system.

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Hai Gang Zhi Yuan

China’s first methanol bunkering ship Hai Gang Zhi Yuan on Saturday (13 January) arrived at Shanghai Port after completing an equipment retrofit.

The 16000m³ ship, formerly known as Jiuli 668, arrived at Zhoushan Putuo Changhong Shipbuilding Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Zhoushan ChangHong International Shipyard Co Ltd, on 22 September 2023 for the retrofit. The process took 113 days and the ship was equipped with an advanced methanol fuel system.

The bunkering vessel is owned by Shanghai SIPG Energy Services Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SIPG Group. The ship has a total length of 139.98 metres, a molded depth of 11.2 metres, and a molded width of 20.2 metres.

The ship is not only capable of transporting methanol but also capable of ship-to-ship bunkering operations while loading and unloading containers, saving turnaround time of international liners at ports.  

China’s first methanol bunkering vessel starts operation after equipment retrofit

In an exclusive interview last year, Chris Chatterton, Chief Operating Officer at Methanol Institute, told Manifold Times, credible business opportunities are available for ‘first movers’ of methanol bunkering due to expected deliveries of methanol-fuelled vessels from 2024. 

Methanol Institute, which serves as the trade association for the global methanol industry, estimated low barriers of entry for a bunkering firm to start methanol marine refuelling operations, compared to other alternative fuels.

“Estimates to convert an 8,000 to 10,000 dwt bunkering vessel for methanol bunkering have been pegged at less than EUR 100,000 (USD 108,000),” highlighted Chatterton at the time.

Disclaimer: The above article published by Manifold Times was sourced from China’s domestic market through a local correspondent. While considerable efforts have been taken to verify its accuracy through a professional translator and processed from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty is made regarding the accuracy, completeness and reliability of any information.

Related: Methanol Institute: ‘Plausible’ business opportunity, lower barriers to entry for methanol bunkering first movers

 

Photo credit: Zhoushan ChangHong International Shipyard Co Ltd
Published: 17 January, 2024

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Newbuilding

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

“Green Future” was delivered at Tsuneishi factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

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Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Wednesday (14 May) said it has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future

The 65,700 dwt vessel was delivered at its factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said the vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 Aeroline design series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.

Mr Okumura Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “This delivery marks just the beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”

NYK said the vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

Vessel Particulars

LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tonnes
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

 

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 15 May, 2025

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Events

Green Shiptech China Congress to explore alternative bunker fuels and ship technologies

LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be among key issues discussed at the annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

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1000×600 GSCC2025 Logo

Ridge China on Wednesday (14 May) announced it will be hosting the 14th Green Shiptech China Congress (GSCC), an annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai. 

More than 4,400 experts and decision makers from governments, classification societies, shipowners, shipyards, research institutes, technology/equipment suppliers and consulting companies attended the previous GSCC from 2012 to 2024. 

For 2025, over 400 industry experts, corporate decision makers and government officials will be engaged in comprehensive discussions on current issues of IMO, EU, USCG, China MSA’s policies and regulations, designs and standards for new ship models, innovative and sustainable green ship technologies at this annual conference.

Alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be part of the important issues discussed at the event. 

Speakers will be from

  • IMO
  • European Commission
  • U.S. Coast Guard
  • China MSA
  • Financial Institutions
  • Maritime Research Institutes
  • Solution & Technology Providers
  • Shipowners
  • Shipyards
  • Classification Societies

Key topics

  • Policies and Regulations Update and Interpretate by IMO, European Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and China MSA
  • Retrofitting Vessels to Achieve Decarbonization Goals
  • Energy Efficiency Continues to Be Key for Decarbonization
  • Decarbonization Through Digitalization
  • Digital Technologies As a Key Enabler for Emissions Reduction
  • Impact of a Hull Coating Upgrade on Hull Efficiency
  • LNG As Marine Fuel: Pivoting Towards Cleaner Shipping
  • Methanol As a Marine Fuel
  • Ammonia’s Credentials As a Green Fuel
  • Wind Propulsion Technology
  • Fuel Cell Integration: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunity
  • Propelling Carbon-neutral Shipping with Green Engines and Alternative Fuels
  • Next-generation Electric and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Technologies and Components
  • Latest Developments in Energy Storage Systems

Interested parties may contact:

Mr. Quin Xu
Tel: +86 21 6607 8610 -8003
Mob: +86 13564222811
Email: [email protected] 

Note: The English and Chinese version of the event website can be found here and here respectively while the event registration can be found here

 

Photo credit: Ridge China
Published: 15 May, 2025

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Biofuel

Burando Energies completes B30 bunkering operation for Teekay Tankers

Firm delivered a bespoke blend of VLSFO containing 30% ISCC Certified FAME Residue to Teekay Tankers in Port of Amsterdam.

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Burando Energies completes B30 bunkering operation for Teekay Tankers

European marine fuel supplier Burando Energies on Wednesday (14 May) said it has successfully completed a bunkering operation for Teekay Tankers, delivering a bespoke blend of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) containing 30% ISCC Certified FAME Residue in the Port of Amsterdam. 

By blending its VLSFO with FAME Residue, Burando Energies said it is able to provide a scalable solution that meets both commercial and environmental targets.

“We are proud to support Teekay Tankers in taking concrete steps toward sustainable operations,” said Nick de Haan, Head of Decarbonisation Strategies at Burando Energies. 

“This delivery showcases our ability to meet the evolving fuel demands of the global shipping industry with innovative, lower-carbon solutions that are also commercially viable.”

FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) Residue is a renewable, second-generation bio-component derived from waste oils and residual feedstocks from biodiesel production. Unlike conventional biodiesel, FAME Residue is considered a more economical and circular option, offering a reduced carbon footprint at a lower cost.

Through extensive testing and evaluation, Burando Energies has secured a consistent, FAME Residue stream that blends well with VLSFO and maintains full compatibility with existing marine engines. The result is a drop-in fuel blend that lowers lifecycle emissions while enhancing both operational efficiency and fuel flexibility.

“Teekay Tankers has partnered with Burando for many years and has worked with us on the first FAME Residue biofuel delivery in Amsterdam,” said Mads Bjornebye, Manager Bunker Services at Teekay Tankers. 

“Burando coordinated closely with both our Technical and Commercial teams to ensure a smooth delivery.”

 

Photo credit: Burando Energies
Published: 15 May, 2025

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