Methanol

Methanol Institute: Advancing methanol-fueled shipping (Week 33, 12 to 18 Aug 2024)

Methanol-related developments this week include a proposal for a global decarbonization initiative from ICS and the construction of China’s first methanol dual-fuel bunkering vessel.

Published

7 months ago

August 22, 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:

Methanol-related developments this week include a proposal for a global decarbonization initiative from the world’s leading shipowner association, the construction of China's first methanol dual-fuel bunkering vessel, and the naming and entry into service of Maersk’s latest methanol-powered container ship. Fleet expansions and charter agreements further emphasize the industry's commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 33 of 2024:

ICS Proposes 'Feebate' Mechanism to Achieve Net Zero Shipping by 2050

Date: August 12, 2024

Key Points:

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), alongside the Bahamas and Liberia, has proposed a ‘feebate’ system to help the shipping industry reach the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2050 net-zero emissions target. The plan includes a GHG fee for emissions and a feebate to incentivize green fuel adoption, such as green ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol. A portion of the fees would fund GHG reduction efforts in developing countries. ICS emphasized the need for a unified global approach to avoid fragmented regulations and ensure fair competition. The proposal will be discussed in upcoming IMO negotiations.

Taiwanese Shipping Operators Expand Fleets with New and Methanol-Powered Vessels

Date: August 13, 2024

Key Points:

According to a report by maritime news provider Tradewinds, Taiwanese container ship operator Yang Ming is set to expand its fleet with two new methanol-fuelled 11,000 TEU vessels, adding to its previous acquisitions. In collaboration with Wan Hai Lines, which is investing in dual-fuel methanol-powered ships, this expansion aims to enhance service competitiveness, meet emission reduction targets, and allow for future environmental retrofitting. The total investment by both companies is estimated at $2.5 billion.

Construction Begins on China’s First Methanol Dual-Fuel Bunkering Vessel

Date: August 13, 2024

Key Points:

Construction has started on China’s first methanol dual-fuel bunkering vessel, a 7,500-dwt tanker commissioned by Shenzhen Fengyang Shipping at Zhoushan shipyard. Scheduled for completion in Q4 2025, the ship will provide green methanol and traditional fuel oil bunkering services, primarily servicing methanol-powered international container liners at Yantian Port under COSCO Shipping. This project marks a significant milestone in China’s transition towards sustainable maritime fuel solutions.

Disclaimer: The information was sourced from China’s domestic market and translated by Manifold Times, with efforts to ensure accuracy, but no warranty is provided regarding its completeness or reliability.

Maersk Unveils Third Methanol-Powered Container Ship in Denmark

Date: August 13, 2024

Key Points:

Maersk has introduced its third large dual-fuel container ship, Antonia Maersk, at a naming ceremony in Aarhus, Denmark. The vessel, christened by Kirsten Andersen, is part of Maersk's fleet of 18 methanol-enabled newbuilds scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. The ship, named after Antonia Uggla, highlights Maersk's commitment to decarbonization, with a strategic focus on dual-fuel propulsion systems using methanol and liquefied gas. This initiative aligns with Maersk’s broader plan to renew its fleet while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring long-term competitiveness.

NYK Group to Charter First Methanol-Fueled Bulk Carrier in 2025

Date: August 20, 2024

Key Points:

NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers has signed a time charter agreement with Kambara Kisen for a 65,700 dwt methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier, marking the NYK Group's first methanol-fueled vessel. Currently under construction at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, the ultramax vessel is set for delivery in spring 2025. The ship will primarily use bio-methanol and e-methanol to transport cargoes such as grain and ore, highlighting NYK's commitment to sustainable maritime operations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 22 August, 2024

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Alternative Fuels

CMA CGM to participate in bunkering trials of alternative fuels in Singapore

Under a renewed MoU with MPA, CMA CGM also plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels.

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

CMA CGM to participate in bunkering trials of alternative fuels in Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group on Tuesday (18 December) said they have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable shipping and innovation including in the area of alternative bunker fuels.

Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels.

This move reinforces Singapore's position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and supports the company's goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. In this regard, the CMA CGM Group has invested nearly USD 20 billion to order LNG and methanol powered ships and will have 153 ships capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, biomethanol and synthetic fuels) in its fleet by 2029.

To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative fuel vessels under the Singapore flag. With its expertise and insights on alternative fuels, the company will also participate in bunkering trials.

Notably, CMA CGM Iron, the company’s first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore in early March 2025, marking an important step in CMA CGM’s efforts to adopt alternative fuels and collaborate with Singapore on sustainable shipping initiatives.

MPA and CMA CGM will explore pilot trials, including the test bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting, and sharing best practices for zero and near zero emission marine fuels.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: "This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM’s significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation and support manpower development within the maritime sector. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to create a more sustainable and innovative maritime ecosystem."

Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, added, "I am pleased to renew our partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, strengthening Singapore’s position as a key maritime hub for CMA CGM.”

“Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade.”

The renewed partnership builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening Singapore's position as a premier maritime hub.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 19 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-based AAL Shipping says it held a naming ceremony for “AAL Dubai” – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – at CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou.

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-headquartered project heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) on Thursday (13 March) said it held a formal naming ceremony for its fifth Super B-Class vessel, AAL Dubai.

The 32,000 dwt AAL Dubai – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – was officially named on March 12 at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.

The AAL Dubai is engineered to transport a vast array of cargo, including heavy lift project equipment, breakbulk, and dry bulk, all on a single voyage. With a combined lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, this vessel is designed to offer high efficiency, cargo flexibility, and economies of scale to shippers worldwide.

The vessel will now embark on its maiden voyage, joining sister vessels AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, AAL Houston, and AAL Antwerp in serving project cargo customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

“We are now over the halfway mark with our Super B-Class deliveries, and those already in service are exceeding our expectations,” said Liew Teck Liong, Chief Financial Officer at AAL.

“With these vessels, we have achieved both company and industry firsts, and we look forward to redefining what a heavy lift, multipurpose vessel can accomplish as we deploy them for complex cargo challenges.”

Later this year, AAL will take delivery of the AAL Dammam, which will be shortly followed by the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai that have an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes.

Photo credit: AAL Shipping
Published: 18 March, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025

4.15 mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in February, a drop from 4.51 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

Published

6 days ago

March 14, 2025

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port decreased by 8.1% on year in February 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.15 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,145,110 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in February, a drop from 4.51 million mt (4,509,330 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 February (against on year) recorded respectively 1.62 million mt (+1.3% from 1.60 million mt), 2.07 million mt (-18.8% from 2.55 million mt), zero (from zero), 8,900 mt (-38.2% from 14,400 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 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 February (against on year) recorded respectively 22,100 mt (+100% from zero), 85,000 mt (+444.9% from 15,600 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). A new addition, B100, recorded 3,800 mt in February 2025.

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 30,000 mt (11.5% from 26,900) and zero (from zero).

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