COSCO Shipping – A new benchmark has been set for China’s alternative marine fuel sector, as a 900-ton truck-to-ship bunkering operation of marine methanol was successfully carried out at the Port of Shanghai. The refueling operation, completed for Yangpu, a dual-fuel vessel operated by COSCO SHIPPING, now stands as the largest single methanol bunkering operation by volume in the country.
The record-setting event marks a significant milestone for the bunkering industry, reflecting the increasing viability of methanol as a scalable low-carbon marine fuel. It also highlights Shanghai’s growing role as a key player in Asia’s clean marine fuel infrastructure.
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Coordinated Execution Despite Operational Challenges
The methanol delivery was conducted via multiple tanker trucks, coordinated to refuel the vessel in a seamless and secure manner. Due to deteriorating weather conditions during the operation, the procedure had to be temporarily paused to ensure safety.
In a statement kindly shared by COSCO SHIPPING, the company noted:
“The operation was briefly suspended due to weather-related safety concerns. Once conditions improved, coordination among on-site teams resumed quickly, ensuring that the methanol trucks were dispatched efficiently and safely.”
Thanks to the professionalism and swift action of technical and safety teams from COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industries and China Shipbuilding, the operation was resumed and completed in an orderly, risk-controlled environment — showcasing the growing maturity of methanol bunkering logistics, even via the more complex truck-to-vessel delivery method.
Methanol as a Marine Fuel: Gaining Traction
Marine methanol is a low-emission, biodegradable fuel that is increasingly viewed as a practical solution for vessel operators looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Compared to traditional fuels, methanol significantly lowers sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, helping vessels comply with tightening global regulations such as the IMO 2020 sulfur cap and upcoming FuelEU Maritime requirements.
The successful delivery also supports broader efforts to improve vessel Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings, and demonstrates how shipowners can take measurable steps toward compliance without waiting for future fuel infrastructure or vessel retrofits.
Truck-to-Ship Bunkering: A Flexible Path Forward
This operation underscores the growing role of truck-to-ship bunkering as a flexible and scalable method for delivering alternative fuels like methanol. As port infrastructure for low-carbon fuels continues to evolve, truck-based solutions offer a critical transitional step that enables immediate adoption of clean fuels while minimizing upfront investment in new fixed assets.
Shanghai’s ability to accommodate such a large-volume methanol delivery via trucks demonstrates both logistical readiness and a strong regulatory support framework, essential for the growth of next-generation marine fuels in the region.
Momentum Builds for Alternative Marine Fuels
With growing pressure from regulatory bodies, cargo owners, and financial institutions, ship operators are increasingly seeking proven, operational pathways to lower emissions. This latest methanol bunkering record signals a shift from pilot-scale trials to commercial-scale refueling operations, especially in major ports like Shanghai.
As the marine fuels industry continues to diversify beyond traditional oil-based products, the success of this operation may pave the way for expanded methanol availability and larger-scale bunkering scenarios, including barge-based supply chains in the near future.
About COSCO SHIPPING Lines
COSCO SHIPPING Lines is a key business unit of COSCO SHIPPING Group, established through the merger of COSCO Container Lines Co., Ltd. and China Shipping Container Lines CO., Ltd. in 2016. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company operates a vast global shipping network, with domestic branches in nine major Chinese ports and international offices across Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, West Asia, South America, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Africa.
As of July 2024, COSCO SHIPPING Lines owns and operates 403 container vessels with a total capacity of 2.3 million TEUs. Including its subsidiary Orient Overseas International, the fleet expands to 529 vessels with a total capacity of 3.2 million TEUs.
With 413 shipping routes, including 275 international routes, the company services 617 ports in 145 countries and regions. Employing 16,700 professionals worldwide, COSCO SHIPPING Lines remains a leader in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the global shipping industry.
Source COSCO SHIPPING Lines