Alternative Fuels

Heidelberg Materials launches new methanol-powered cement carrier

Using primarily green methanol as bunker fuel, the vessel is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 6,000 tonnes annually compared to existing fossil fuel ships.

Published

8 months ago

December 12, 2025

Admin

Heidelberg Materials launches new methanol-powered cement carrier

Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe, in partnership with the Hartmann Group and the Norwegian NOx Fund, on Thursday (11 December) announced the launch of a methanol-powered cement carrier.

The company said the vessel marked a major milestone in sustainable distribution of cement.

The vessel is scheduled to start operation in Norway in Q1 2028. Using primarily green methanol as fuel, the vessel will reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 6,000 tonnes annually compared to existing fossil fuel ships.

“This project reflects Heidelberg Materials’ strong commitment to sustainable logistics and long-term climate action. This vessel cuts emissions by 80% and increases our overall transport efficiency. A 10-year contract signals our willingness to support innovation and build lasting partnerships,” said Knut Omreng, Director Logistics, Heidelberg Materials North Europe.

Following a competitive tender involving six shipping companies, the Hartmann Group was selected to design, own and operate the vessel. Also involved as technical managers after delivery of the newbuilding will be former Hartmann Group company InterMaritime Ltd in Cyprus.

Heidelberg Materials and Hartmann Group have a long-standing cooperation and will continue the joint efforts to reduce emissions from shipping of cement.

“We are committed to embrace and invest in environmentally friendly technologies that reduce maritime carbon footprint and promote sustainability. We are proud to be part of this initiative, which demonstrates how cargo owners and shipping companies can jointly drive innovation in low-emission transport,” said Niels Hartmann, CEO, Hartmann Holdings.

In early 2025, Heidelberg Materials Norway applied for necessary financial support from the Norwegian NOx Fund. Without the grant of 60 million Norwegian Krone, this first methanol-powered cement carrier would have been too expensive.

“This vessel is a tangible result of public-private collaboration. A NOK 60 million investment from the Norwegian NOx Fund has enabled the development of a highly energy-efficient ship that sets a new benchmark for low-emission bulk transport,” said Tommy Johnsen, Managing Director, Norwegian NOx Fund.

Photo credit: Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe
Published: 12 December, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres.

Published

15 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Singapore-based shipping firm Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Monday (17 August) said the company has successfully completed its 700th LNG bunkering operation, carried out for vehicle carrier Lake Victoria in Emden, Germany.

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres (m3).

“Reaching 700 LNG bunkering operations reflects not only the scale of our investment in alternative-fuel capabilities, but also the experience, coordination and commitment of our teams at sea and ashore,” EPS said in a social media post.

“As we continue to grow and diversify our fleet, every operation adds to the practical experience needed to support shipping’s energy transition.”

Manifold Times previously reported the company completed a total of 530 LNG bunkering operations with over 2.4 million m3 of LNG bunkered, from the start of recorded data to 31 Dec 2025.

In its 2026 ESG Report, EPS said its fleet is among the largest dual-fuel fleets in the industry, with over 170 vessels designed to operate on alternative fuels.

In 2025, 25% of the fuel consumed by EPS fleet were alternative marine fuels, including LNG, LPG, ethane, and biofuels.

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 18 August, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

“YM Willpower” successfully received around 2,000 mt of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

Published

15 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) on Monday (17 August) said its 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel, YM Willpower, successfully completed its first-ever LNG bunkering operation via SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) at the Port of Shanghai.

Through close collaboration with Shanghai International Port (Group) and SIPG Energy Shanghai, the vessel successfully received around 2,000 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

With LNG dual-fuel technology, the company said it is continuing to expand alternative-fuel bunkering capabilities, enhance operational flexibility and efficiency and advance lower-carbon shipping solutions.

Manifold Times previously reported YM Willpower completing its first bunkering operation in Singapore.

In 2026, Yang Ming will progressively introduce newly built 15,500 TEU class container vessels primarily fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its operating fleet.

The lead vessel, YM Willpower, completed partial LNG bunkering at the shipyard prior to delivery and was officially deployed on 8 February into Yang Ming’s Far East–Mediterranean MD2 service.

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Published: 18 August, 2026

Methanol

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, “Carlotta Cosulich” combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness.

Published

15 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Genoa-based marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Monday (17 August) announced the launch of its new methanol-ready bunker IMO II tanker, Carlotta Cosulich.

The launch of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four sister vessels, took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, bringing together the project team, partners and stakeholders.

Silvia Bordon, General Manager, served as the vessel’s godmother during the ceremony.

“Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, Carlotta Cosulich combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness,” the company said in a statement.

Equipped with a five-tonne cargo crane and dedicated arrangements for Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations further enhances her versatility across a wider range of bunkering operations.

“Following the successful delivery of her two sister vessels, she brings us one step closer to completing this four-vessel programme and reinforces Fratelli Cosulich Group’s commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” the company added.

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 18 August, 2026