A.P. Moller-Maersk has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) to develop a methanol marine fuel project.
The two parties will join hands to explore green methanol fuel vessel-to-vessel bunkering operation after Maersk’s newbuild green methanol container vessels are delivered in 2024.
”Collaborating with ports globally to build green fuel bunkering infrastructures is necessary to service methanol vessels. It is an important step as Maersk strives to lead the decarbonisation of end-to-end supply chains and make a meaningful environmental impact in this decade,” said Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-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 optimize fuel infrastructure efficiencies.
Zero-emissions target
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 able to operate on green methanol will accelerate the evolution of climate neutral shipping.
Therefore, establishing port bunkering infrastructure for methanol is imperative and critical to achieving this goal.
For SIP, the agreement will also support the aspiration of Shanghai Port to become one of the world’s first commercial green methanol refuelling points and as a regional green methanol fuel bunkering centre.
”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,” said Gu Jinshan, chairman, SIPG.
”SIPG will continue to work with shipping companies to foster Shanghai shipping hub gateway and the green, low-carbon transformation of shipping industry in Shanghai.
Maersk and SIPG will deepen cooperation in stages. 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 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.
