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Proman supports UK government’s ambition for absolute zero shipping emissions by 2050

As a marine fuel, methanol’s major advantage is that it can drastically and in some instances immediately reduce all shipping emissions, it states.
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Switzerland-based energy supplier Proman on Thursday (16 September) said it has welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to push for a world-leading absolute zero target for international shipping emissions by 2050, as announced by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on 13 September 2021.

This target, which would need to be agreed through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), recognises that reducing shipping emissions is not just about cutting carbon dioxide (CO2), says Proman.

Of the 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions generated by the sector, a significant proportion of this estimated 1 billion tonnes each year comes in the form of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, all of which have a proven impact on air quality and public health.

The global shipping sector and regulators must take decisions now regarding the fuels and technology required to meet existing IMO 2030 and 2050 targets.

Some of the world’s largest shipping companies have this year backed methanol as the leading alternative marine fuel for the future, including Maersk’s recent order of eight new methanol-fueled vessels and the significant investments by leading engine manufacturers MAN and Wartsila in methanol fleets and technology, it states.

As a marine fuel, methanol’s major advantage is that it can drastically and in some instances immediately reduce all shipping emissions. It therefore has a major role to play in meeting the UK Government’s 2050 absolute zero emissions target.

With its clean-burning qualities, ship owners switching to methanol fuel can immediately eliminate SOx and particulate matter and cut NOx emissions by over 60%. Methanol produced from natural gas offers an initial 10-15% CO2 saving, rising to over 90% when using renewable methanol. Methanol is also safe to handle, globally available and benefits from proven engine technology.

Speaking at this year’s Argus Methanol Forum, David Cassidy, Chief Executive of Proman said:

“While only smaller amounts of renewable methanol are currently produced, as demand grows the level of renewable methanol production can be rapidly ramped up. As more plants get built and more capital is committed to renewable methanol production, the underlying technologies and equipment will become more cost effective and the price of renewable methanol will become more competitive.”

“The whole process can be a massive stimulus for our global economy, creating new future-proof jobs while driving down emissions and reducing environmental harm. That surely, is a win-win situation.”

Welcoming the UK Government’s commitment to push for absolute zero shipping emissions by 2050, David Cassidy called for further regulatory and government actions to create a level playing field for cleaner alternative fuels:

“The global energy transition has opened the door for alternatives to conventional fuels. There is no single solution or silver bullet, and we need to keep the door open for an open fuel standard for every solution to work in concert. But investing in methanol now means a smoother and faster transition to a lower carbon future.

“As an industry, we need legislative action to help level the playing field and foster methanol’s adoption. Pricing challenges will need to be confronted, and carbon taxes on fossil-based fuels should be part of the solution.

“Calculating emissions on a well-to-wake basis are critical to allowing like-for-like comparisons between future fuels, rather than pushing emissions further upstream. 

“We need the development of international certificates to allow for a true book and claim system, because that will be crucial to the acceptance of methanol as a fuel more broadly. And we absolutely need to standardise how we all report ESG metrics.”

 

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 17 September, 2021

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Emissions reporting

ZeroNorth and Veracity by DNV launch end-to-end emissions reporting, verification service

New offering combines ZeroNorth’s Vessel Reporting and Emissions Analytics platform with Veracity platform and DNV’s Emissions Connect verification services to deliver an end-to-end compliance solution.
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ZeroNorth and Veracity by DNV launch end-to-end emissions reporting, verification service

Maritime technology solutions provider ZeroNorth on Friday (16 May) said it has partnered with Veracity by DNV to launch a fully integrated emissions reporting and verification service for the maritime industry. 

Teekay is the first customer that will be implementing the service across its fleet, following successful testing and development.

As regulatory requirements tighten, ZeroNorth said maritime operators face growing demands for emissions transparency and reporting integrity. At the same time, poor data quality remains an industry-wide challenge. 

“The new offering combines ZeroNorth’s Vessel Reporting and Emissions Analytics platform with the Veracity platform and DNV’s Emissions Connect verification services to deliver an end-to-end compliance solution,” the company said in a statement. 

“The offering simplifies compliance by integrating automated data reporting with expert validation, reducing administrative burdens and improving data reliability.”

A key differentiator is the multi-layered data quality feedback loop, which ensures emissions data undergoes rigorous validation at multiple stages. Verification warnings from Veracity by DNV are automatically flagged to ZeroNorth’s data quality team, which then works directly with vessel crews to resolve discrepancies before final submission to authorities. 

This reduces compliance risks and enhances regulatory confidence while supporting continuous monitoring of EU MRV, IMO DCS, CII ratings, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance.

Teekay, a long-standing customer of ZeroNorth, participated in early testing of the solution and providing operational feedback. Since its successful implementation with Teekay, the service has been rolled out to two additional customers, and further deployments are underway.

Anders Schulze, Chief Operations Officer at ZeroNorth, said: “The maritime industry faces growing pressure to ensure emissions data is not just reported, but verified to the highest standards. Yet fragmented systems and manual processes continue to undermine data quality and increase compliance risk. 

“By combining ZeroNorth’s data and analytics capabilities with Veracity by DNV’s verification expertise, we are directly addressing this challenge. Our goal is to build trust in emissions data and reduce complexity for shipowners and charterers. We’re especially pleased that Teekay, a long-time partner, played a central role in shaping and validating the service.”

Mikkel Skou, Managing Director at Veracity by DNV, said: “At Veracity by DNV, the value of our ecosystem is built on strong partnerships, exemplified by our collaboration with ZeroNorth.

“By integrating trusted data and solutions like ZeroNorth’s Vessel Reporting and Emissions Analytics platform, we create a robust network that supports collaboration and drives sustainable growth in the maritime industry. 

“We look forward to continuing working towards our ambition to deliver trust and connectivity to the industry through this partnership with ZeroNorth.”

Mikkel Seidelin, Chief Commercial Officer at Teekay, said: “Partnering with ZeroNorth improves our ability to navigate complexities seamlessly, leveraging on data and technology to optimise our performance and reduce inefficiencies.

“When we are equipped with verified, end-to-end data, it empowers us as owners towards seamless decision-making, resulting in real sustainable and operational target-achievements.”

 

Photo credit: ZeroNorth
Published: 16 May, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

Singapore: FueLNG achieves 400th LNG bunkering operation milestone

Bunker tanker “FueLNG Bellina” successfully delivered LNG bunker fuel to “BYD Shenzhen”, the world’s largest LNG-fuelled car carrier at Singapore anchorage during its maiden voyage.
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Singapore: FueLNG achieves 400th LNG bunkering operation milestone

Singapore’s licensed LNG bunker supplier FueLNG on Thursday (15 May) announced the successful completion of its 400th LNG ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation in the republic.

FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine and Shell Eastern Petroleum Pte Ltd, marked the milestone with bunker tanker FueLNG Bellina successfully refuelling BYD Shenzhen, the world’s largest LNG-fuelled car carrier, at Singapore anchorage during its maiden voyage.

“With a capacity of 9,200 vehicles and equipped with dual-fuel LNG propulsion, the BYD SHENZHEN represents the next generation of low-emission maritime transport,” it said in a social media post. 

Shell said it supported BYD Shenzhen on its maiden voyage as the supplier of the LNG bunker fuel. 

“Like all LNG dual fuel vessels, BYD Shenzhen is on the pathway to net zero emissions. She can take bio-LNG, and in the future e-LNG, in her fuel mix for further emission reduction and regulatory compliance,” it said in a separate social media post. 

 

Photo credit: Shell
Published: 16 May, 2025

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Biofuel

Hong Kong: CPN hits new record for China’s largest B24 biofuel bunkering operation

Chimbusco Pan Nation delivered 6,300 mt of B24-VLSFO in Hong Kong to boxship “XIN LOS ANGELES” on 15 May, exceeding its previous record of 5,500 mt delivered in February 2025.
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Hong Kong: CPN hits new record for China's largest B24 biofuel bunkering operation

Hong Kong-based bunker supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical (CPN) on Friday (16 May) said it has set a record for China’s largest B24 marine biofuel bunkering operation.

CPN said it delivered 6,300 metric tonnes (mt) of B24-VLSFO in Hong Kong to container ship XIN LOS ANGELES on 15 May. 

The supply exceeded CPN’s previous record of 5,500 mt delivered to the same ship in February 2025.

“This collaboration reinforces CPN’s ability to execute large-scale marine biofuel bunkering with precision and reliability,” the company said in a social media post.

“By consistently supplying large volumes of B24 marine biofuel, CPN supports reduced carbon emissions and sustainable shipping practices globally.”

Related: CPN achieves largest B24 bio bunker fuel delivery in Hong Kong and China

 

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical
Published: 16 May, 2025

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