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.