Shipping companies Maersk and CMA CGM’s subsidiary ANL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the possibility of a green methanol bunkering hub in MELBOURNE, Australia. The project involves transporting green methanol from production sites in Bell Bay and Portland to the Port of Melbourne for storage and bunkering services.
The agreement involves other companies, such as the port authority of Melbourne, Svitzer, and terminal operator Stolthaven Terminals. The green methanol will be sourced from energy companies HAMR Energy and ABEL Energy, who are also party to the agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, the involved companies will work together to explore the components of establishing a green methanol bunkering hub, identify any challenges that may arise, and find solutions. The collaboration will also examine the feasibility of transporting green methanol from production sites such as Bell Bay in Tasmania, operated by ABEL Energy, and the site in Portland, Victoria, operated by HAMR Energy.
There has been increasing momentum in the industry towards using methanol as a marine fuel. According to the classification society DNV, there were over 106 methanol-powered ships on order as of March 2023.
Maersk recently launched its first methanol-powered vessel at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard on April 4th. The yet-unnamed vessel, with a capacity of 2100 TEU, was ordered in 2021. Although the vessel can operate on VLSFO, the plan is to use carbon-neutral e-methanol from the start. The vote of confidence from shipping giants like Maersk has prompted other companies such as CMA CGM and Cosco to follow suit by ordering the construction of large dual-fuel containerships.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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