Methanol

Methanol Institute: Advancements in methanol bunkering and alternative fuel infrastructure (Week 44, 28 Oct to 3 Nov 2024)

This week, the maritime industry saw advancements in methanol as a marine fuel including upcoming newbuild methanol-fuelled vessels and South Korea’s methanol bunkering milestone.

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2024

Admin

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

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Antwerp-Bruges biofuel bunker sales drops 36% on year in Q2 2026, LNG down 13.4%

Biofuel recorded 26,833 mt in Q2 2026 with 41,939 mt recorded in the same period the year before while port data showed 76,513 mt of LNG being delivered in Q2 2026, down from 88,328 mt.

Published

8 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Admin

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges recently published bunker fuel sales data for the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

Total bunker sales at the port was 2.05 million metric tonnes (mt) in Q2 2026, compared to sales of 1.99 million mt (+3%) during the similar period in 2025.

Deliveries of ultra low sulphur fuel oil, very low sulphur fuel oil, high sulphur fuel oil and marine gas oil in Q2 2026 (against on year) recorded respectively 164,987 mt (+43.6% from 114,917 mt), 537,926 mt (+12.8% from 476,746 mt), 659,182 mt (+11.6% from 590,544 mt) and 366,329 (-15.7% from 434,766 mt).

Biofuel recorded 26,833 mt in Q2 2026 with 41,939 mt (-36%) recorded in the same period the year before.

Port data showed 76,513 mt of liquefied natural gas (LNG) being delivered as a marine fuel in Q2 2026, down by 13.4% from 88,328 mt in Q2 2025. Meanwhile, there has been no deliveries of methanol at the port for the year so far.

Photo credit: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Published: 23 July, 2026

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”.

Published

1 day ago

July 22, 2026

Admin

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

Methanol

Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 mt annually.

Published

3 days ago

July 20, 2026

Admin

Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Ship design and engineering service provider Western Baltic Engineering on Thursday (16 July) showcased its latest concept design for a green methanol bunkering vessel, developed for the operational needs of the Port of Klaipėda.

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually.

“It is Western Baltic Engineering’s first concept dedicated exclusively to green methanol bunkering, expanding our portfolio of alternative-fuel vessel solutions,” the company said in a social media post.

“Building on our experience in methanol-ready vessel design, it reflects our continued focus on enabling the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.”

“As the maritime sector evolves, engineering companies have a responsibility not only to respond to market needs but also to anticipate future challenges,” said Marius Arkusauskas, Director at Western Baltic Engineering.

“By exploring emerging technologies and alternative fuel applications, we help our partners prepare for the next generation of maritime operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Photo credit: Western Baltic Engineering
Published: 20 July, 2026