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Waterfront Shipping enters into time-charter agreement with Trafigura for methanol DF vessel

Trafigura will operate co-owned Waterfront Shipping and Clean Sea medium-range product tanker “Mari Innovator” as part of its global network of vessels used in clean products trading routes.
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Waterfront Shipping, a subsidiary of Methanex, the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol, on Tuesday (6 December) said it has entered into a time-charter agreement with Trafigura, one of the world’s largest physical commodity trading groups. 

Under the agreement, Trafigura will operate the co-owned Waterfront Shipping and Clean Sea medium-range product tanker Mari Innovator as part of its global network of vessels used in clean products trading routes. This agreement supports the parties’ efforts to help transition the marine shipping industry toward decarbonisation and is another example of Waterfront Shipping’s leadership in supporting the growing demand for methanol as a marine fuel.

“We’re pleased to partner with Trafigura to share our global experience and knowledge with operating and bunkering vessels using methanol fuel technology,” said Paul Hexter, President of Waterfront Shipping. 

“Trafigura plays a vital leadership role in the energy transition and for it to recognise that methanol marine fuel offers a clear pathway towards a low carbon shipping industry will help build the platform to drive change.”

Waterfront Shipping is pioneering the use of methanol as a marine fuel and as the world’s largest operator of methanol dual-fuel vessels, has accumulated over 123,000 operating hours, demonstrating the simplicity and safe use of methanol as a cleaner burning marine fuel. 

Today, Waterfront Shipping has 18 methanol dual-fuel vessels, with one additional vessel arriving by the spring of 2023, representing approximately 60% of its 30-vessel fleet.

Trafigura’s shipping and chartering operations are managed out of key regional hubs in Athens, Geneva, Houston, Lima, Montevideo and Singapore, providing 24/7 coverage of freight and physical commodity markets.

“We’re advocating for industry-wide action on shipping emissions and investing in new technologies and vessels to help achieve a more sustainable shipping industry,” said Andrea Olivi, Head of Wet Freight for Trafigura. 

“We’re excited about the cooperation with Waterfront Shipping and Clean Sea as we explore and learn also how methanol technology can integrate with our fleet to achieve our carbon intensity reduction goal of 25 per cent by 2030 across our entire chartering operation.”

“As a cleaner-burning marine fuel, conventional methanol already meets the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) pollutant emissions regulations, significantly reducing sulphur oxides by 99 per cent, nitrogen oxides by up to 80%, and particulate matter by 95% compared to heavy fuel oil. Methanol is also liquid at ambient temperature, safe, easy to handle, widely available, fully compliant with IMO Tier III regulations and can be produced from renewable sources—offering a clear transition pathway to decarbonization,” added Paul Hexter.

Modi Mano, CEO at Clean Sea Transport, said, “The Mari Innovator is our third-generation dual-fuel vessel and offers a number of advantages to Trafigura including the flexibility to diversify fuel options or consume methanol for potential cost savings. It is equipped with the latest technological innovations and fuel consumption is particularly low for a medium-range tanker.”

 

Photo credit: Marine Traffic / Moreight
Published: 8 December, 2022

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Biofuel

GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.
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July 11, 2025

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Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

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Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
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July 9, 2025

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The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

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The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

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Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

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July 9, 2025

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Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

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