AP Moller-Maersk is moving forward with its methanol fuel ambitions through a bunkering deal in China.
The company will work with Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) at the port of Shanghai to develop vessel-to-vessel fuelling operations in time for the delivery of its new methanol-powered boxships from 2024.
Maersk has 19 dual-fuel newbuildings on order and has been busy securing future global supplies of green methanol to fuel them.
“Establishing port bunkering infrastructure for methanol is imperative and critical to achieving this goal,” the company said.
“Collaborating with ports globally to build green fuel bunkering infrastructures is necessary to service methanol vessels,” added Maersk chief executive Vincent Clerc.
“It is an important step as Maersk strives to lead the decarbonisation of end-to-end supply chains and make a meaningful environmental impact in this decade,” he said.
The group will also work with SIPG on synergies and with fuel manufacturers to optimise fuel infrastructure efficiencies.
SIPG is the main operator of the world’s busiest container port.
The company has committed to becoming a leader in developing green and ecological ports and wants to become the first to offer commercial green refuelling points.
“SIPG will continue to work with shipping companies to foster Shanghai shipping hub gateway and the green, low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry in Shanghai,” said SIPG chairman Gu Jinshan.
The cooperation between the two groups will also see SIPG set up methanol tank storage.
In a potential second stage, the partners will explore how to form an all-around strategic energy partnership to promote the whole green methanol supply chain.
