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DNV: How DNV Korea’s decarbonization network drives low-GHG fuel uptake

DNV shared on its Decarbonization Network for Korea, which is helping maritime stakeholders to align on low-emission fuel initiatives, and the initiatives to develop a low-GHG infrastructure in Korea.

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Ulsan Port Authority

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (6 August) shared on its Decarbonization Network for Korea, which is helping maritime stakeholders to align on low-emission fuel initiatives, and the initiatives to develop a low-GHG infrastructure in Korea:

There have been many initiatives in the Korean maritime sector in recent years to not only keep abreast of decarbonization but actually become one of its driving forces. To encourage these efforts and create synergies by helping the stakeholders coordinate their activities, DNV Korea invited companies from all parts of the Korean maritime sector to join its Decarbonization Network.

Helping the industry navigate decarbonization challenges

Established in 2022, this project provides a collaboration platform for shipyards, shipowners, charterers, ports, research facilities and financial institutions involved in decarbonization activities. In regular meetings, seminars and workshops, the members – currently 27 companies from all segments of the maritime industry – explore current trends, share insights and best practices, discuss regulatory and technical challenges, and promote the development of solutions.

“We want to use the Decarbonization Network to identify decarbonization leaders in the Korean maritime sector and provide them with crucial information to help them navigate the challenges they’re facing,” explains Jae Hun Lim, Principal Engineer and Decarbonization Expert at DNV Korea who has spearheaded the initiative. DNV puts an emphasis on educating and developing future decarbonization experts at these companies, all with the perspective of extending the network beyond national borders eventually. The practical value of the network is already evident. Members have applied insights directly to projects, such as the Vessel Technical Index (VTI), a ship performance indicator developed by DNV. After learning about VTI through network meetings, members were better prepared to respond to inquiries from charterers they received shortly after. This kind of readiness is supported by DNV’s global expert network and regional hubs, which enable faster knowledge-sharing and closer alignment with international decarbonization efforts.

A key member of the decarbonization network: Ulsan Port Authority

The Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) joined the network in December 2023. Sometimes called the “industrial powerhouse of South Korea”, Ulsan is the nation’s largest industrial port. Its expansive tank terminal cluster serves as a bunkering supply base for other ports in south-eastern Korea. Ulsan is also a major shipbuilding centre, and home to the headquarters of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. With huge industrial complexes right at the port and in its immediate hinterland, Ulsan is in an ideal position to put its weight behind industry efforts to build a global green ship fuel supply chain. The port is working on expanding and partially converting its liquid cargo hub for low-GHG fuels.

As a key player in Korea’s decarbonization efforts, UPA is a welcome addition to the network, says Jae Hun Lim. “UPA was the world’s first port to implement a green methanol bunkering system and began supplying green methanol to ships recently,” he says. “Ulsan has pioneered the use of hydrogen as fuel and is in the process of establishing a facility for bunkering bio ammonia.”

Establishing a Green Corridor across the Pacific Ocean

In April 2025, South Korea and the United States agreed to establish a green shipping corridor between the two nations as of 2027. Supported by various public and private entities including the Busan and Ulsan port authorities, the project roadmap includes the development of infrastructure and a supply base for alternative marine fuels, mainly ammonia and green methanol.

“Ulsan’s role is to make sure the right infrastructure is in place,” says Soon-Yo Jeong, Vice President of Operations at the Ulsan Port Authority. “We’re focusing on bunkering systems for methanol and ammonia, and on developing safe and clear standard operating procedures.”

In 2023, Ulsan Port was selected as a strategic hub for eco-friendly marine fuels under the South Korean government’s Alternative Marine Fuel Supply Chain Development Plan, adds Jeong: “We see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity.”

Note: The full article by DNV can be read here

 

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 11 August, 2025

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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