Methanex launches global methanol bunkering operations in ARA region and South Korea

Methanol producer and supplier Methanex Corporation on Tuesday (23 September) announced new strategic partnerships in two of the world’s key fueling hubs—the ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) region and South Korea. 

These agreements further advance Methanex’s leadership role in supporting the marine energy transition. 

In the ARA region, Methanex is partnering with TankMatch —a recognised regional expert in inland waterway fuel logistics—to provide safe, barge-to-ship methanol bunkering. 

This partnership builds on a previous bunkering arrangement between OCI Global and UniBarge, which Methanex took over through its acquisition of OCI, boosting its capacity to serve a wider range of marine customers in the area. In South Korea, Methanex is working with Alpha Maritime and Hyodong Shipping to enable last-mile bunkering operations.

Mark Allard, Methanex’s Senior Vice President of Low Carbon Solutions, said: “These partnerships allow us to safely and reliably fuel ships with methanol in two of the busiest global trade corridors that are pivotal to maritime decarbonisation,” said 

“By leveraging our global supply chain with the expertise of trusted local bunkering operators, we now provide a fully integrated, end-to-end methanol fuel solution to support the maritime industry’s needs.”

All partners are thoroughly vetted to meet Methanex’s stringent operational and safety standards. 

Drawing on more than a decade of experience operating the world’s largest fleet of methanol-fuelled tankers through its subsidiary, Waterfront Shipping, Methanex has also developed a comprehensive methanol bunkering safety package and technical guidance based on internationally recognised protocols to support shipping companies, bunkering operators and terminals adopting methanol as a marine fuel. 

As the demand for low-carbon methanol is expected to rise sharply in the coming years, Methanex continues to take focused steps to expand reliable supply and help the industry meet tightening regulatory requirements.

“Through this collaboration, we are proud to deliver reliable last-mile methanol bunkering services that give shipowners practical solutions to help their transition to cleaner shipping.” J. R. Cho, Marketing Manager of Alpha Maritime.

“Korea is a key maritime hub in Asia, and Hyodong Shipping is pleased to leverage our methanol bunkering expertise in collaboration with Methanex to provide shipowners with trusted, eco-friendly fuel solutions. This partnership will serve as a catalyst in positioning Korea as a critical hub for the transition to low-carbon shipping.” Injun Ko, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President of Hyodong Shipping.

“This partnership allows us to apply our expertise in inland waterway fuel logistics to accelerate the safe adoption of methanol bunkering in the ARA region.” said Andre Nieman, Chief Executive Officer, TankMatch.

Related: European Commission clears acquisition of OCI methanol business by Methanex
Related: Methanex to acquire OCI Global international methanol business
Related: OCI and Unibarge partner to develop Europe’s first dual-fuelled green methanol bunker barge

Photo credit: Methanex
Published: 26 September, 2025