Unibarge Secures Methanol Bunkering License for Ports in Europe

Unibarge, a Dutch-Swiss company specializing in inland tanker shipping, has recently obtained a license to provide methanol bunkering services at key ports in Europe. The company’s latest bunkering operation involved the delivery of green methanol to vessels at the Ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Antwerp-Bruges.

World’s First Methanol Bunkering Operation

The bunkering operation, which took place at the Delta Barge Feeder terminal in Rotterdam, featured Unibarge’s dual-fuel bunker barge, Chicago, supplying green methanol to the container vessel, Eco Umande. This operation marked a significant milestone as it was claimed to be the world’s first methanol dual-fuel engine retrofit for a container vessel.

Europe’s First Dual-Fuel Bunker Barge

Chicago, powered by green methanol, is Europe’s first dual-fuel bunker barge. The vessel was retrofitted with methanol dual-fuel propulsion in early 2023 through a collaboration between Unibarge and OCI N.V. The use of renewable and low-carbon methanol aligns with the industry’s climate neutrality goals.

Port Developments in Methanol Bunkering

The Port of Rotterdam has been offering methanol bunkering services to sea-going vessels since 2023, with a significant increase in demand for the alternative fuel source. Similarly, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges marked its first methanol bunkering operation in 2023, with further developments in subsequent years.

The Port of Amsterdam has set ambitious decarbonization targets, aiming to become a hub for clean shipping and renewable energy by 2040. As part of its sustainability efforts, the port has updated its Port By-laws to facilitate the bunkering of eco-friendly fuels such as LNG, hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.

Overall, Unibarge’s entry into the methanol bunkering market in Europe signifies a positive step towards a greener and more sustainable maritime industry.