Shanghai ups the ante in methanol bunkering

The inaugural operation from the methanol bunkering ship Haigang Zhiyuan successfully supplied 3,000 tonnes of methanol to the Anne Maersk on 1 January at Yangshan Port.

With a capacity of 16,000 cubic metres spread across 12 cargo tanks, Haigang Zhiyuan is equipped to support container operations and ship-to-ship bunkering, boosting both sustainability and efficiency.

Greener bunkering

The move underscores Shanghai’s commitment to reducing port emissions and promoting greener vessel bunkering options. 

The Yangshan Port Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) said that it put in place extensive safety protocols and emergency procedures during the bunkering operation to guarantee safety. They said they worked closely with shipping companies, port operators and pilot stations, keeping a careful eye on the entire process.

Following this successful operation, Yangshan Port plans two more methanol bunkering operations in January, further enhancing its capabilities and infrastructure for alternative fuels.

This development not only strengthens Shanghai’s role as a global shipping gateway but also aligns with broader efforts to decarbonise maritime transport and reduce the environmental impact of port operations.

In April 2024, Astrid Mærsk berthed at Yangshan port in Shanghai for the first green methanol bunkering with simultaneous cargo and bunkering operations in China.