The Methanol Institute, provides an exclusive weekly commentary on developments related to the adoption of methanol as a bunker fuel, including significant related events recorded during the week, for the readers of bunkering publication Manifold Times:
One of the key enablers identified by the Methanol Institute as key to the wider uptake of green fuels is bunkering infrastructure to reflect the growing orders for new ships designed to use methanol now and in the future. The further growth in methanol-fuelled orders reported below is exceeded only by the growth in green fuel production and marine bunkering activity in players who wish to realise the opportunity to serve a new generation of sustainable vessels.
Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 44 of 2024:
Wan Hai Lines Orders Eight Methanol-Ready Container Ships from Hyundai and Samsung
Date: October 29, 2024
Key Points: Wan Hai Lines has ordered eight methanol-ready container ships, each with a capacity of 16,000 TEU, to support future green fuel usage. The order includes four vessels from HD Hyundai Samho and four from Samsung Heavy Industries, with an estimated price range of $186.49-204 million per vessel. The methanol-ready design includes larger storage capabilities to accommodate methanol bunkering. These ships can be converted to methanol either during construction or after delivery, marking a strategic move by Wan Hai Lines towards sustainable shipping options.
Sinopec Completes Record Methanol Bunkering Operation for Maersk in China
Date: October 29, 2024
Key Points: Sinopec has successfully completed China’s largest methanol bunkering operation, supplying nearly 938 tonnes of methanol to the Maersk Halifax at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard on October 13, 2024. This landmark operation marks a significant development in Sinopec’s methanol bunkering capabilities, achieved through innovative logistics and a custom-developed methanol fueling unit. Sinopec now aims to provide regular methanol supply and expand ship-to-ship fueling services, positioning itself as a leader in clean energy for maritime vessels.
Danone Joins Maersk’s ECO Delivery Programme to Reduce GHG Emissions in Shipping
Date: October 29, 2024
Key Points: Danone has joined Maersk’s ECO Delivery programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its shipping operations. The programme allocates Danone’s shipments to vessels using biofuels derived from waste feedstocks, such as biodiesel and bio-methanol, which reduce GHG emissions by over 40% compared to traditional fossil fuels. This partnership aligns with Danone’s decarbonization strategy focused on alternative fuels and multimodal transport, furthering its commitment to sustainable logistics in collaboration with Maersk.
Maersk Secures Long-Term Bio-Methanol Supply Deal with Longi Green Energy
Date: October 30, 2024
Key Points: Maersk has entered a long-term supply agreement with Longi Green Energy Technology to secure bio-methanol for its expanding dual-fuel methanol fleet. The agreement, extending well into the next decade, will see bio-methanol produced from agricultural residues, such as straw and fruit tree cuttings, at a facility in Xu Chang, China. The first volumes are expected in 2026, supporting Maersk’s global alternative fuels portfolio and advancing its decarbonization strategy through the adoption of bio- and e-methanol.
South Korea Aims to Lead Global Eco-Bunker Fuel Market with Major Methanol Bunkering Milestone
Date: October 30, 2024
Key Points: South Korea has taken significant steps toward becoming a global leader in eco-friendly bunker fuels, successfully completing its first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operation. Conducted at Busan New Port on October 4, the operation saw Maersk’s Antonia Maersk refuel with 3,000 tonnes of methanol from Hyodong Shipping’s vessel. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) is enhancing bunkering infrastructure, securing vessels, and standardizing procedures for green fuels, including methanol and LNG. This progress supports South Korea’s goal to position its ports, particularly Busan, as central hubs for sustainable maritime fuel.
Methanol Integral to Design of Eco-Friendly VLCC by Japanese Consortium
Date: October 31, 2024
Key Points: A Japanese consortium, including Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Lines, NYK, and Nihon Shipyard, has completed the design concept for Japan's first eco-friendly Malacca Max VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) utilizing methanol as a primary fuel. The vessel will feature a dual-fuel engine capable of running on methanol and conventional fuels, with a shaft generator for energy efficiency. Additionally, the design includes an optional wind propulsion system, aiming to meet the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 regulations by reducing CO2 emissions by over 40%. This development highlights Japan’s efforts to lead in sustainable vessel design.
CMA CGM Expands Alternative Fuel Options with Synthetic LNG and Methanol Bunkering in Morocco
Date: November 1, 2024
Key Points: CMA CGM has partnered with Marsa Maroc to equip and operate part of the Nador West Med container terminal in Morocco, enabling bunkering of synthetic LNG and methanol. This joint venture aims to increase the terminal’s throughput to 1.2 million TEU annually and position it as a hub for green fuel in the Mediterranean. Supported by Morocco’s growing green hydrogen sector, the terminal is expected to offer synthetic methane and methanol, serving CMA CGM’s fleet of dual-fuel vessels and reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainable maritime fuels.
Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 7 November, 2024