The world’s first container ship powered by methanol has begun its debut trip from South Korea.
Dutch fuel supplier OCI Global told TradeWinds the 2,100-teu Maersk Solstice left the port of Ulsan on Sunday after completing bunkering operations.
The vessel, built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, is heading to Europe.
It is being powered 100% by green methanol on the voyage at the whopping cost of $2,500 per tonne.
The Maersk Solstice is due in Copenhagen, Denmark in September.
“The bunkering operation took place yesterday and the ship will now sail along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes on its way to Copenhagen,” OCI said.
The operation comes just over a week after the International Maritime Organization announced its revised strategy for the industry to reach net zero “by or around 2050”, with “indicative checkpoints” towards that goal, the company pointed out.
OCI said the journey will be “a catalyst” for future green methanol bunkering.
The vessel will receive more green methanol at key ports along the way, positioning OCI as the first commercial bunker operator of the fuel at global scale.
“Ulsan Port is the world’s fourth-largest port for liquid cargo and home to several leading shipbuilders. The expertise gained by the successful bunkering of the green methanol ship will be invaluable for the port, positioning it as a global leader in maritime decarbonisation,” OCI added.
Bashir Lebada, chief executive of OCI Methanol, told TradeWinds last month that the ship is using bio-methanol.
The amount is confidential but runs to thousands of tonnes.
The feeder newbuilding will bunker at four stops along the way, including Ulsan, and then in Egypt as it transits the Suez Canal.
Two more ports, one in South East Asia and another in northern Europe, are under negotiation for refuelling approvals.
