The methanol bunkering vessel Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, operated by Shanghai SIPG Energy Service Co, conducted simultaneous bunkering operations for the Republic of Korea vessel HMM Green on March 29, with an estimated load of approximately 2,900 metric tons of green methanol alongside container handling operations.

The methanol bunkering vessel Hai Gang Zhi Yuan conducts simultaneous bunkering operations for the Republic of Korea vessel HMM Green on March 29. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

This is the first batch of domestically produced green methanol loaded at Yangshan Port in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area, marking the start of a new chapter in Shanghai Port's provision of green energy services for global ships.

"The decision by international shipowners to utilize domestically produced green methanol for bunkering in the Chinese port undoubtedly signifies a significant milestone in Shanghai Port's efforts to establish a global green refueling station for international vessels," said Luo Wenbin, managing director of Shanghai SIPG Energy Service Co.

The Hai Gang Zhi Yuan ship is currently the largest methanol bunkering vessel in China, having pioneered the bunkering of international container vessels with green methanol fuel at Yangshan Port last year.

This latest operation not only involves a larger bunkering volume but also utilizes domestically produced and transported green methanol, signifying Shanghai Port's formation of a complete domestic green methanol supply chain service. It will provide a reliable "Chinese solution" for the energy transition and the sustainable development of the maritime industry.

Shanghai Port has emerged as one of the few ports worldwide capable of synchronously bunkering LNG and green methanol for vessels.