Maersk, Shanghai International Port Group ink MoU for green methanol bunkering

A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has signed a Memorandum of

cooperation for Shanghai port’s methanol marine fuel project.

The two parties will collaborate to explore green methanol fuel

vessel-to-vessel bunkering operations after Maersk’s green methanol container

vessels arrive in 2024.

Maersk and SIPG will deepen cooperation in stages, according to the

shipping company.

In the first phase, SIPG, as Maersk’s potential energy bunkering service

provider, will carry out services of vessel-to-vessel bunkering and fuel tank

storage at the port.

In the potential second stage, the parties will explore how to form an

all-round energy strategic partnership to promote the extension from bunkering

services to the upstream of the green methanol industry chain.

Maersk has set a net-zero emissions target for 2040 across the entire

business, and the delivery and operation of its 19 vessels – with dual-fuel

engines that are able to operate on green methanol – is expected to accelerate

the evolution of climate neutral shipping.

Maersk reported that establishing port bunkering infrastructure for

methanol is thus imperative to achieve this goal.

“We are very pleased to form the partnership with SIPG, leveraging its

strong capabilities in bunkering service and port operation,” said Vincent

Clerc, CEO of Maersk.

“Through joint efforts, we can provide low-carbon logistics service for our

customers, also contributing to China’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2060.

“Meanwhile, we also endeavour to cultivate synergies with SIPG and fuel

manufacturers to optimise fuel infrastructure efficiencies.”

The agreement will also support the aspiration of Shanghai port to become

one of the world’s first commercial green methanol refuelling points, according

to the Danish giant.

Chairman of Shanghai International Port Group, Gu Jinshan, said: “As the

demand for sustainable fuels increase, establishing the green fuel bunkering

service will be another milestone for SIPG, improving port services and

enhancing the competitiveness of Shanghai port, in a bid to transform the

company into a low-carbon and eco-friendly energy hub in Asia Pacific.”

In August 2022, Maersk signed a new partnership with Chinese bioenergy

enterprise Debo to boost global green methanol production capacity.

More recently in January 2023, Maersk Growth announced an investment in

Berlin-based, C1 Green Chemicals AG, a firm specialising in producing green

methanol.