Stolthaven Terminals, through its joint venture Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal (Stolthaven Lingang), on Thursday (12 June) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Itochu Corporation to collaborate on storage and logistics solutions for green methanol.

This strategic partnership will focus on supporting the growing demand for low-carbon fuels through the development of a methanol bunkering system and enhancing methanol export capabilities.

Stolthaven Lingang has world-class terminal infrastructure and a strategic location in the Tianjin Lingang Industrial Zone in China. Through this MoU with Itochu, Stolthaven Lingang will seek to strengthen the supply chain infrastructure needed for alternative fuels.

Methanol is emerging as a viable marine fuel due to its lower carbon intensity and existing ease of handling, and the development of methanol bunkering services is expected to serve the increasing demand from the shipping sector.

Selenna Xu, general manager, Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal says: “This strategic partnership represents a pivotal step in building a green energy storage and transportation ecosystem in Northern China. By combining our terminal network and service innovation with Itochu’s global expertise, we aim to drive forward the development of a green energy hub for the region, with export capabilities beyond China.”

Satoshi Tojo, general manager at Itochu Corporation comments: “Itochu Corporation is committed to advancing the green methanol value chain through strategic partnerships and innovation. By leveraging our extensive global network and expertise in the energy and chemicals sectors, we are well-positioned to significantly contribute to the transition towards cleaner fuels.”

Photo credit: Stolthaven Terminals
Published: 13 June 2025

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Thursday (12 June) claim UK-based bunker operator John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Limited’s bunker tanker Whitchampion has become the first in the industry to load, carry and blend Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME B100) onboard under IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II regulations.

The development occurred after LR issued a chemical certification to allow Whitchampion to perform onboard blending of biofuels with petroleum distillates and residual fuel oils. The operation is authorised within UK coastal waters under a Tri-Partite Agreement between the Isle of Man Flag and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UKMCA).

A second Whitaker tanker, Whitchallenger, will be undergoing a similar approval process and is expected to be certified later this year.

At present, bunker tankers certified under MARPOL Annex I are limited to carrying blends no more than 30% FAME under IMO regulations. Oil Fuels with higher bio-content fall under International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code) and MARPOL Annex II, typically requiring full chemical tanker status. That regulation has, in effect, frozen out a significant portion of the conventional bunker tanker fleet from supporting mid-to-high-range biofuel blending.

Whitaker’s Whitchampion is the first LR-classed vessel to bridge that gap. Through comprehensive Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment against the IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II requirements, LR developed an approach which involved mitigation of the assessed risks. This led to obtaining waivers/exemptions from the Flag Administration allowing this Annex I bunker tanker to gain chemical certification to carry FAME as cargo, without needing to convert to full chemical tanker status.

The successful delivery of dedicated onboard training on the safe handling of FAME has also led to UKMCA approval and a FAME Restricted endorsement to the existing Oil Tanker Dangerous Cargo Endorsement (DCE) for the crew.

Tim Wilson, Principal Specialist Fuels and Emissions, LR, said: “This certification demonstrates a credible and commercially viable route for existing bunker tankers to participate in the energy transition. It sets a clear blueprint for others to follow, enabling owners to consider the possibility of adapting existing bunker tankers for sustainable fuel delivery without resorting to prohibitively expensive conversions or replacement with a chemical tanker.”

Peter Howard, Technical Director at Whitaker Tankers, added: “This certification is the result of focused determination from all involved and underlines Whitaker’s commitment to providing clients with the flexibility they need to meet their decarbonisation goals. We’re proud to lead the way in this space with Whitchampion and look forward to progressing a similar certification with LR for her sister ship Whitchallenger later this year.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 13 June 2025

China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) recently obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates from several classification societies for four vessel designs. 

Among the four is a 50,000 cubic metre (m3) ammonia bunkering vessel, which received AiP certificate from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). 

It integrates liquid ammonia transportation and bunkering functions and can meet the long-distance transportation needs of liquefied gas goods such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid ammonia. 

The ship is equipped with three IMO Type A independent liquid cargo tanks, and uses zero-carbon ammonia fuel to drive the main engine and generator, meeting the IMO greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy and actively responding to the latest greenhouse gas intensity (GFI) requirements of the 83rd meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83). 

The entire ship is equipped with two independent 1,000 m3 deck liquid ammonia storage tanks, taking into account the ammonia fuel endurance requirements under multi-cargo loading and unloading, significantly improving operational economy and flexibility. 

In response to the needs of bunkering operations, it is specially equipped with a retractable bow thruster, side thruster and adjustable propellers to meet ABS’ DPS-1 notation and adapt to the complex port environment of bunkering operations. 

Meanwhile, a dual-fuel LNG/hydrogen-powered Ultramax bulker design and a 30,000 GT Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger (ROPAX) ship designed to sail in the Mediterranean Sea received AiP certificates from RINA. 

SDARI also received AiP from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for a 113,000 dwt ammonia dual-fuel liquid cargo ship. The optimised propulsion system, specially configured with an ammonia dual-fuel power system and a wind-assisted propulsion system, is expected to save more than 10% energy, especially at low speeds. 

Photo credit: Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute
Published: 12 June, 2025