Methanol

Historic first for China with first green methanol bunkering op of “Astrid Maersk”

Maersk achieved a milestone as vessel berths at Yangshan port in Shanghai for the first green methanol bunkering with simultaneous cargo and bunkering operations in China.

Published

1 year ago

April 12, 2024

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Historic first for China with first green methanol bunkering op of “Astrid Maersk”

Shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) on Wednesday (10 April) said it achieved a milestone as the large methanol-enabled vessel Astrid Maersk berthed at Yangshan port in Shanghai, for the first green methanol bunkering with simultaneous cargo and bunkering operations in China.

Maersk said the historic first in China was made possible in partnership with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG).

“As Maersk celebrates its 100th anniversary to serve China's foreign trade, the event not only underscores the company's dedication to decarbonizing the maritime industry, but also pays tribute to its long history of collaboration with partners and stakeholders servicing Chinese international trade,” the firm said on its website.

Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk, said: “For a century, Maersk’s conviction to facilitating global supply chains has been the driving force behind our active contribution to China's foreign trade, with substantial investments in infrastructure, services, and people.”

“As we continue to pioneer sustainable practices, the deployment of large methanol-enabled vessels in the Asia-Europe trade showcases both rich heritage and the beginning of an exciting new era based on strong partnerships.”

“For the energy transition to succeed, we need to go together, and we are working closely with dedicated partners like SIPG, customers, industry peers and regulators to cross the next frontiers in making green ocean transport the easy choice.”

The firm added the initiative also highlights Shanghai’s readiness and commitment to environmental leadership, setting a precedent for other ports in China and the world to follow suit.

Jinshan Gu, Chairman of Shanghai International Port Group, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Maersk in our joint pursuit of this ambitious goal of decarbonization.”

“Maersk and SIPG have responded to the new trend of the industries’ green and low-carbon development, and have conducted fruitful cooperation in this field.”

“Today, the first green methanol bunkering with simultaneous operation for a large ocean-going vessel at Shanghai port marks a new milestone between the two parties. It will undoubtedly enhance the strength of the Shanghai port to establish it as a major regional hub for green methanol fuel bunkering.”

Silvia Ding, Managing Director of Maersk Greater China, said: “We are delighted to bring Astrid Maersk to Shanghai and marking the first green methanol bunkering in China.”

“This signifies a remarkable proof point of vital green methanol infrastructure coming into place and it underscores our focus on creating long-term value by seeking innovative solutions, foster collaboration, and embrace adaptability to meet the evolving demands of the society, customers and employees.”

“With sustainability at the forefront of our agenda, we are committed to leading the way in decarbonising global logistics for a greener future.”

Photo credit: A.P. Moller – Maersk
Published: 12 April 2024

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

Free cost and compliance calculator has been developed by its team based on the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework by IMO’s MPEC 83 recently.

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2025

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Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Tuesday (15 April) introduced a free cost and compliance calculator that has been developed by its team based on the newly approved greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pricing framework by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MPEC 83).

The calculator will help maritime stakeholders explore how the two-tiered, GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI)-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.

GCMD said the buzz around International Maritime Organization's MEPC 83 and the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework has been intense — and understandably so.

“To help make sense of it, our CEO Prof. Lynn Loo started with handwritten trajectory calculations to break down the core workings,” it said in a social media post.

“Building on that, our team has developed a simple, accessible cost and compliance calculator to help you explore how the two-tiered, GFI-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.”

The calculator is just one input—its results should be considered alongside other economic and operational factors to inform commercial decisions.

The tool covers covers heavy fuel oil (HFO), liquified natural gas (LNG), B24 biofuel, e-ammonia and bio-methanol.

“Whether you're assessing fuel options, planning newbuilds, or just trying to get a feel for what this might mean for your operations — this tool offers a useful first-cut view. For added clarity, we’ve included the workings on the side so you can trace the calculation process,” GCMD added.

Note: GCMD’s cost and compliance calculator can be found here.

Photo credit: Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
Published: 16 April, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

4.47 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2025

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 0.5% on year in March 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.47 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,469,170 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt (4,445,070 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 1.62 million mt (+0.6% from 1.61 million mt), 2.33 million mt (-3.7% from 2.42 million mt), 500 mt (+100% from zero), 100 mt (-98% from 5,100 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 51,900 mt (+100% from zero), 93,700 mt (+42% from 66,000 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). A new addition of biofuel blend, introduced in February this year, B100, recorded no sales in March.

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 39,000 mt (+1% from 38,600) and zero (from zero).

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below:

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 March, 2025

Events

Maritime Week Americas to assess how US policy changes will impact bunkering

Event, taking place in May, will try to assess how US policy changes will impact the day-to-day business of shipping and bunkering, as well as the maritime industry’s shift towards a zero carbon future.

Published

7 days ago

April 11, 2025

Admin

Maritime Week Americas to assess how US policy changes will impact bunkering

Maritime Week Americas is coming to the United States amid the trade mayhem and turmoil and will try to assess how US policy changes will impact the day-to-day business of shipping and bunkering, as well as the maritime industry’s shift towards a zero carbon future.

President Donald Trump has wasted no time in overturning the status quo and injecting massive uncertainty into every aspect of world trade, said ship.energy.

With the dust still nowhere near settling, there is no telling when the chaos will end or what the energy, shipping and bunker markets will look like in a month or year from now.

Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, CEO of ship.energy, founder and organiser of Maritime Week Americas, said: “There is no doubt that the conversations at MWA25 will be livelier that ever as delegates battle to come to terms with a completely new world order. What all this turmoil means to shipping and bunkering, let alone to global, regional, and national economies, will be the question that everyone joining us in Tampa will be asking. Hopefully by the end of the event we will have some answers.”

Maritime Week Americas is always where the key questions are raised and answers are sought. With vigorous debate and frank discussion, well over 250 bunker buyers, suppliers and traders will gather in Tampa for an intense week that includes training, the MWA25 Flagship Conference, and – as always – some unmissable networking.

MWA25 will look at shipping and bunker markets throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, examining traditional bunker markets and the ‘new’ fuels whose take-up is rapidly picking up pace. But can the same be said now for the United States?

Traditional marine fuels are still the mainstay throughout the Americas. The conference will examine fuel quality and quantity issues and take a close look at what is happening in some of the continent’s more active markets, such as Peru and Panama.

There LNG is now a mainstream marine fuel as its availability grows throughout the Americas, with Panama among the newest supply hubs. But is there potential for a backlash over LNG’s green credentials?

Biofuels are also on a fast upward trajectory, with Brazil and other countries now leading the way. But while LNG and biofuels look set to play a key role in fuelling ships for the foreseeable future, other fuels, such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen may not be too far behind. These, and the full range of alternative fuels will be examined in depth during the MWA Conference.

More ports are now beginning to appreciate the environmental benefits of making shore power available to visiting vessels, with some – such as Miami – currently assessing the benefits of installing electric power facilities and others – such as Seattle – already planning to mandate cold ironing for cruise ships visiting the port. At the same time, more electric-powered vessels are beginning to appear, with Canada’s Montreal and Vancouver currently leading the way with new electric ferries. Meanwhile, the world’s biggest electric-powered ferry is expected to start operating between Buenos Aires in Argentina and Colonia in Uruguay by mid-2025.

For the first time, Maritime week Americas will include an entire session focused on Jamaica, an island determined to revitalise and boost its shipping, maritime and bunkering activities.

As always, MWA25 will feature some exciting networking events, designed to highlight the new venue and to ensure that the delegates take every opportunity to network.

Note: More information on Maritime Week Americas can be found here.

Photo credit: Petrospot
Published: 11 April, 2025