EUKOR Car Carriers, World Fuel, and SIPG Energy have completed the first green methanol bunkering of the 9,300-CEU M/V Arctic Tern at the Port of Shanghai, receiving 2,800 MT of ISCC-EU certified fuel via ship-to-ship transfer. Derived from local municipal waste with a carbon intensity below 25gCO2e/MJ, the simultaneous cargo and fueling operation established China’s largest single PCTC green methanol SIMOPS bunkering to date.
Shanghai, China | July 21, 2026 – In a major operational milestone for the vehicle carrier sector, EUKOR Car Carriers, global energy supplier World Fuel, and SIPG Energy have successfully executed the first green methanol bunkering of the M/V Arctic Tern at the Port of Shanghai.
The vessel, which is the flagship unit of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s next-generation “Shaper Class” fleet, received approximately 2,800 metric tons (MT) of ISCC-EU certified green methanol via a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer. The operation took place at Waigaoqiao Port Area’s Haitong Terminal utilizing SIPG Energy’s dedicated bunkering vessel, M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, currently the world’s largest operational methanol bunkering barge.
Crucially, the refueling was conducted under Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) protocol, allowing vehicle cargo handling to continue uninterrupted while bunkering took place.
The Shanghai Model: Local Circular Economy Meets Global Bunkering
Beyond its operational scale, the event marks the first time an international Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operator has bunkered green methanol produced entirely within Shanghai.
Shanghai Green Methanol Value Chain
The fuel supplied was derived from municipal solid waste, featuring an ultra-low carbon intensity rating of below 25gCO2e/MJ. The successful trial establishes what local authorities and industry partners describe as the “Shanghai Model”, a fully integrated, closed-loop regional supply chain encompassing local feedstock collection, refining, storage, and STS port delivery.
Supply Chain Integration & Key Specifications
World Fuel managed the commercial supply and logistics structuring on behalf of EUKOR, connecting the ocean carrier with SIPG Energy’s physical supply assets.
Operational & Technical Breakdown
| Metric / Parameter | Value / Technical Detail |
| Vessel Name & Class | M/V Arctic Tern (Shaper Class Flagship) |
| Operator / Ownership | EUKOR Car Carriers (Wallenius Wilhelmsen & Hyundai Motor Group) |
| Capacity & Propulsion | 9,300 Car Equivalent Units (CEU); Dual-Fuel Methanol Engine |
| Bunker Volume Delivered | 2,800 Metric Tons (MT) Green Methanol |
| Bunkering Vessel | M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan (SIPG Energy) |
| Location & Transfer Type | Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port; STS SIMOPS |
| Fuel Certification & Lifecycle | ISCC-EU Certified; 25gCO2e/MJ Carbon Intensity |
Fleet Modernization: The Shaper Class Pioneer
Delivered on July 9, 2026, from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, the Arctic Tern is the first of 14 Shaper Class dual-fuel PCTCs ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. Deployed on EUKOR’s Asia-to-Europe trade lanes, the 9,300-CEU vessel represents a core component of the group’s target to offer net-zero end-to-end supply chain services.
Global Vehicle Logistics Decarbonization Trinity
| Stakeholder | Role in Project | Strategic Objective |
| EUKOR Car Carriers | Vessel Operator / Offtaker | Deploy low-carbon fleet tonnage across Asia-Europe trade routes. |
| World Fuel | Bunker Trader & Supply Arranger | Provide seamless commercial access to alternative marine fuels worldwide. |
| SIPG Energy | Physical Supplier & Terminal Operator | Establish Shanghai as a leading global hub for green marine energy SIMOPS. |
Executive Perspectives
Highlighting the transition from capital investment to commercial execution, Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, stated:
“Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonization ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”
Addressing the role of fuel logistics providers in scaling alternative energies, Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, noted:
“The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”
Underlining Shanghai’s expanding port capabilities, Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, added:
“Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”
Industry Takeaway
With container lines having spearheaded early methanol bunkering trials, this 2,800 MT SIMOPS operation demonstrates that alternative fuel infrastructure is maturing rapidly across specialized sectors like Ro-Ro and car carriers. Following the successful bunkering event, the Arctic Tern has resumed her maiden voyage toward Europe, providing a practical blueprint for low-carbon vehicle logistics.
About SIPG Energy
SIPG Energy, established in November 2023, is the integrated energy arm of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. The company operates a dedicated bunkering fleet that includes the LNG bunkering vessel Hai Gang Wei Lai and the methanol bunkering vessel Hai Gang Zhi Yuan.
About EUKOR Car Carriers
Established in 2002, EUKOR Car Carriers is a leading provider of ocean transportation services for vehicles and rolling equipment. Jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group, EUKOR operates as part of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen group, combining global maritime expertise with a strong automotive heritage to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable shipping solutions. Together with the Wallenius Wilhelmsen group, EUKOR operates approximately 127 vessels servicing 15 trade routes across six continents, connecting customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Americas.
About World Fuel
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, World Fuel is a leading global provider of aviation, marine, and ground-based transportation fuels and complementary services. Through an integrated global supply and logistics network, it sources and distributes products and services to meet customer needs across more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, including lower-carbon fuels to support customers’ energy-transition objectives. In the United States, the company also markets natural gas and related solutions.
Source: World Fuel