Green Methanol Bunkering Operation Marks Milestone at Shanghai Port

Shanghai International Port Group’s (SIPG) bunkering ship Hai Gang Zhi Yuan has supplied 3,000 tons of green methanol to Ane Maersk, one of the world’s first boxships powered by this alternative fuel, at Yangshan Port.

On January 1, 2025, SIPG conducted a synchronized ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation for the 16,000 TEU Ane Maersk at the Port of Shanghai. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first large methanol-powered container vessel bunkering at the port in 2025.

Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the first methanol bunkering ship at the Port of Shanghai, underwent a conversion process at Zhoushan Putuo Changhong Shipbuilding before commencing operations in January 2024.

The Ane Maersk, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, was christened in January 2024 and named after Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, the Chair of the A.P. Moller Foundation and A.P. Moller Holding.

Two years ago, A.P. Moller-Maersk and SIPG signed a memorandum of understanding to explore green methanol fuel bunkering options for Maersk’s methanol containerships. The recent operation in Shanghai follows previous bunkering activities in Ulsan and Antwerp-Bruges.

Methanol, known for its environmental benefits such as zero nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur emissions, is gaining traction as a key alternative marine fuel globally. The Methanol Institute’s white paper highlighted the stable future of e-methanol and bio-methanol under FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS regulations.

With the potential cost advantages of methanol over traditional fuels like VLSFO by 2050, the industry is likely to witness a gradual shift towards cleaner alternatives in compliance with regulatory frameworks.