Methanol bunkering capability expands across US ports
World Fuel Services and West Coast Clean Fuels have established a methanol bunkering capability available to vessel owners and operators across US ports, following the completion of an over-the-water fuel delivery in South Florida.
The operation marks what the companies describe as a first in the US for over-the-water methanol bunkering. It demonstrates a solution designed to be scalable and compliant with regulatory requirements, with the intention of supporting wider deployment across the country.
According to the announcement, shipowners assessing methanol as a marine fuel can now access a bunkering service supported by U.S. Coast Guard-approved procedures, trained personnel and dedicated equipment.
West Coast Clean Fuels stated that it is currently the only operator in the US with approved truck-to-ship methanol bunkering procedures, with infrastructure that can be deployed to additional ports as required.
The companies said the capability follows several years of preparation, including risk assessments, development of operational and emergency response procedures, equipment procurement and personnel training.
This work was carried out in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard to align with safety and regulatory standards.
They also noted that recent regulatory guidance has incorporated elements of this approach, indicating that the operational model developed by the two companies has contributed to evolving industry practices.
Matt Campbell, Technical Manager at West Coast Clean Fuels, said: “Our procedures didn’t just meet regulatory requirements – they helped shape them. The U.S. Coast Guard’s recent guidance reflects the operation we’ve developed. Bringing that collaborative work to life with World Fuel is exactly the kind of milestone that demonstrates we are ready to deliver methanol bunkering across US ports.”
Brad Hurwitz, Senior Vice President, Supply and Trading at World Fuel, added: “World Fuel’s established global marine fuel platform allows us to deliver and transact methanol bunkering solutions efficiently and reliably to customers. Shipowners and operators evaluating methanol as a marine fuel require both technical expertise and marine fuel delivery experience. This enhanced capability of World Fuel with West Coast Clean Fuels provides customers practical turnkey access to integrate methanol into existing fuelling strategies.”
World Fuel Services and West Coast Clean Fuels said they are ready to support methanol bunkering demand across US ports, positioning the service as an option for operators considering lower-emission fuel alternatives.
