Maritime Week Americas is coming to the United States amid the trade mayhem and turmoil and will try to assess how US policy changes will impact the day-to-day business of shipping and bunkering, as well as the maritime industry’s shift towards a zero carbon future.

President Donald Trump has wasted no time in overturning the status quo and injecting massive uncertainty into every aspect of world trade, said ship.energy.

With the dust still nowhere near settling, there is no telling when the chaos will end or what the energy, shipping and bunker markets will look like in a month or year from now.

Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, CEO of ship.energy, founder and organiser of Maritime Week Americas, said: “There is no doubt that the conversations at MWA25 will be livelier that ever as delegates battle to come to terms with a completely new world order. What all this turmoil means to shipping and bunkering, let alone to global, regional, and national economies, will be the question that everyone joining us in Tampa will be asking. Hopefully by the end of the event we will have some answers.”

Maritime Week Americas is always where the key questions are raised and answers are sought. With vigorous debate and frank discussion, well over 250 bunker buyers, suppliers and traders will gather in Tampa for an intense week that includes training, the MWA25 Flagship Conference, and – as always – some unmissable networking.

MWA25 will look at shipping and bunker markets throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, examining traditional bunker markets and the ‘new’ fuels whose take-up is rapidly picking up pace. But can the same be said now for the United States?

Traditional marine fuels are still the mainstay throughout the Americas. The conference will examine fuel quality and quantity issues and take a close look at what is happening in some of the continent’s more active markets, such as Peru and Panama.

There LNG is now a mainstream marine fuel as its availability grows throughout the Americas, with Panama among the newest supply hubs. But is there potential for a backlash over LNG’s green credentials?

Biofuels are also on a fast upward trajectory, with Brazil and other countries now leading the way. But while LNG and biofuels look set to play a key role in fuelling ships for the foreseeable future, other fuels, such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen may not be too far behind. These, and the full range of alternative fuels will be examined in depth during the MWA Conference.

More ports are now beginning to appreciate the environmental benefits of making shore power available to visiting vessels, with some – such as Miami – currently assessing the benefits of installing electric power facilities and others – such as Seattle – already planning to mandate cold ironing for cruise ships visiting the port. At the same time, more electric-powered vessels are beginning to appear, with Canada’s Montreal and Vancouver currently leading the way with new electric ferries. Meanwhile, the world’s biggest electric-powered ferry is expected to start operating between Buenos Aires in Argentina and Colonia in Uruguay by mid-2025.

For the first time, Maritime week Americas will include an entire session focused on Jamaica, an island determined to revitalise and boost its shipping, maritime and bunkering activities.

As always, MWA25 will feature some exciting networking events, designed to highlight the new venue and to ensure that the delegates take every opportunity to network.

Note: More information on Maritime Week Americas can be found here.

Photo credit: Petrospot
Published: 11 April, 2025

The Methanol Institute (MI) on Wednesday (9 April) welcomed Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) as its newest member. 

As one of India’s largest major ports, handling approximately 140 million tonnes of cargo annually, DPA is taking steps to position itself as a key player in the transition to sustainable fuels, including bio-methanol.

Strategically located within the Rotterdam-Singapore Green Shipping Corridor, DPA is developing infrastructure to become a zero-emission fuel bunkering hub. The port is actively exploring opportunities in bio-methanol bunkering, investing in logistics and infrastructure, and fostering partnerships to accelerate the adoption of green fuels.

To support these ambitions, DPA is undertaking several sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of energy-efficient cargo handling technologies, a 1MW green hydrogen demonstration plant, and the induction of battery, fuel cell, and hybrid-powered tugboats.

DPA’s recent issuance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for methanol bunkering and its collaboration with DNV on a gap analysis study further demonstrate its proactive approach to advancing green maritime fuels. Additionally, the port is establishing a Centre of Excellence for Green Maritime Fuels to drive innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders, academia, and start-ups.

As a member of the Methanol Institute, DPA will contribute to global discussions on methanol as a marine fuel, exchange knowledge with industry leaders, and support the development of policies and best practices to facilitate the transition to sustainable shipping.

MI CEO Greg Dolan, said: “We are delighted to welcome Deendayal Port Authority to the Methanol Institute. Ports play a critical role in accelerating the transition to low-carbon fuels, and DPA’s commitment to bio-methanol bunkering and green fuel infrastructure aligns with our mission to promote sustainable solutions for the maritime industry.”

Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of DPA, added: “As India, under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aligns its maritime decarbonisation strategies with the IMO's Net-Zero goal by 2050, Deendayal Port (erstwhile Kandla Port) increases its focus on participating in Green Shipping Corridors as a supplier of cleaner and greener alternative fuels to vessels.”

“At this juncture, Kandla Port joining MI provides a greater opportunity for us to engage with methanol producers, suppliers, vessel operators, regulators, and other stakeholders for likely partnerships to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and contribute toward achieving the Net-Zero goal. I am sure that this engagement will help in knowledge sharing and productive partnerships for mission decarbonisation.”

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 10 April, 2025

Latest figures from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform saw a total of 25 new orders were placed for alternative-fueled vessels in March 2025.

Methanol was the biggest activity driver, accounting for 12 of these new orders. This was spread across diverse segments, with cruise vessels and car carriers accounting for three each, one offshore vessel, one bulk carrier, and the remainder crude oil/chemical tankers. 

Seven orders were placed for LNG-fueled vessels, all in the container segment. 

The remaining two orders were for ammonia-fueled vessels, both oil/chemical tankers. 

A total of 71 orders were placed for alternative-fueled vessels in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 13% decline compared to the first quarter of 2024. This comes against the backdrop of lower newbuild activity throughout the maritime industry in the early months of 2025. 

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “This was another solid month for the alternative-fueled orderbook, with plenty to be encouraged about.  

“Methanol led the way, accounting for the highest number of new orders, following relatively weak activity over the winter months. Interestingly, these orders were spread across diverse segments, with owners across the cruise, car carrier, bulk carrier, and tanker segments investing in this fuel. 

“The ordering of two ammonia-fueled vessels from the tanker segment is also notable. While ammonia still has some way to go as a marine fuel, foundations are being put in place and progress is being made. 

“Although new order activity in the alternative-fuelled market is tracking 13% behind the first quarter of 2024, this is largely attributable to a weaker overall newbuild market in 2025.”

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 2 April, 2025