Molgas Group on Friday (29 November) said it successfully completed the first LNG bunkering of the MV Glen Sannox since the ship was handed over to CalMac Ferries Limited last week, marking its entry into the United Kingdom. 

“We would like to thank CalMac Ferries Limited and Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited for their trust and long-term collaboration,” the firm said in a social media post. 

“This project not only represents a significant step forward in the adoption of cleaner fuels in the maritime industry of the United Kingdom but also for the expansion of our Pan-European Supply Network for the Marine Segment to receive (bio)LNG via various supply assets across multiple countries and ports.”

Photo credit: Molgas Group
Published: 2 December, 2024

The Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) partners have conducted a successful pilot for the bunkering of mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane (LBM) at the Port of Rotterdam (PoR) on 19 October 2024. 

A total of 100 metric tonnes (mt) of mass-balanced LBM was supplied by Shell to CMA CGM’s liquefied natural gas-powered containership CMA CGM TIVOLI.

Produced from waste-based feedstock, the LBM used in this pilot provides a lower-emission alternative to conventional marine fuels. This initiative, led by the biomethane working group, supports the GDSC’s broader commitment to advancing the adoption of near-zero emission fuels along one of the world’s busiest shipping trade routes.

The bio-methane working group, led by SEA-LNG, is one of the working groups established to encourage the uptake of zero- and near-zero emission fuels. Other working groups are also exploring pathways for alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen.

As part of the pilot, Shell issued a Proof of Sustainability certificate verifying that the LBM fuel supplied complies with regulations by the European Union. The certificate will undergo auditing by third-parties accredited by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification-European Union (ISCC-EU).

The pilot applied the mass balance methodology to track the movement of the LBM through the supply chain and ensure compliance with ISCC-EU certification standards, Renewable Energy Directive II, and FuelEU Maritime regulations. This end-to-end certification and tracking supports the development of methodologies which will need to be consistent with the accounting framework adopted by countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

This test will also provide CMA CGM with the opportunity to ensure that mass-balanced LBM is properly recognised by the authorities in relation to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) regulation. A similar LBM bunkering pilot with full sustainability certification is planned at the Port of Singapore.

Established in August 2022 by PoR and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Rotterdam-Singapore GDSC aims to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation and foster collaboration among global ports and stakeholders. To-date, the GDSC initiative has brought together 28 global value-chain partners across shipping lines, fuel suppliers, port authorities and operators, industry coalitions, banks, leading institutes of higher learning and knowledge partners.

Photo credit: Port of Rotterdam
Published: 29 November, 2024

Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a joint venture between MMC Group and APM Terminals, recently successfully completed the first methanol bunkering operation for a Maersk dual-fuel methanol container vessel.

PTP did not disclose the bunkering vessel involved in the operation and the volume bunkered by Antonia Maersk.

The container vessel is the third in a series of 18 large dual-fuel newbuilds by the Danish shipping giant, capable of sailing on reduced emission methanol.

PTP’s Chairman, Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, highlighted that this milestone marks PTP’s first-ever ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation.

“This step is pivotal in PTP’s mission to deliver top-quality services to our customers and solidify our position as a preferred port of choice in the region. This successful methanol bunkering operation demonstrates PTP’s readiness and capability to handle alternative marine fuels, paving the way for future trials and pilots of diverse and emerging fuel solutions,” he said.

PTP’s CEO, Mark Hardiman commended the collaboration among PTP, Maersk and the Malaysian Government, which sets a promising standard for future partnerships on infrastructure development, fuel bunkering capabilities and knowledge sharing.

“In preparation for this methanol bunkering operation, PTP worked closely with Maersk, Maersk Oil Trading, Malaysia Marine Department, Johor Port Authority, and various government agencies. Together, we conducted tabletop exercises and workshops, establishing rigorous safety procedures through comprehensive operational and risk assessments, modelling and validation; leading up to the deployment exercise.”

“This development underscores PTP’s dedication to safety and customer satisfaction, enabling us to offer shippers and consignees reliable, timely services through enhanced terminal efficiency and expanded capacity,” he said.

Photo credit: Port of Tanjung Pelepas
Published: 29 November, 2024