HMM, a leading global provider of integrated logistics and shipping services, has successfully completed the methanol bunkering for its first methanol-powered vessel, HMM Green, at the Port of Shanghai. The operation, which took place on March 29, 2025, marked a significant milestone in HMM’s journey toward low-carbon shipping and sustainable energy solutions.
A total of 2,900 tons of ISCC-EU-certified green methanol were delivered during the bunkering operation while simultaneously handling the vessel’s container operations, showcasing the efficiency and capability of Shanghai’s port operations in supporting cleaner energy solutions for the shipping industry.
HMM Green: A Step Toward Sustainable Shipping
The HMM Green, a 9,000 TEU methanol-powered container vessel, is the first of a series of nine sister vessels ordered by HMM in February 2023. HMM Green is an important part of HMM’s commitment to reducing emissions in the maritime industry. By using green methanol, a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels, HMM aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while contributing to the global decarbonization goals of the shipping sector.
As HMM moves toward achieving low-carbon shipping, HMM Green represents just the beginning of a larger effort to transform the industry with sustainable fuel alternatives. The vessel is expected to deliver substantial reductions in carbon emissions, helping meet the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions in maritime transport.
China’s Role in the Green Methanol Revolution
This methanol bunkering operation also highlights China’s increasing role in the transition to green energy and its leadership in the alternative fuel sector. The green methanol delivered during this operation was locally produced in China, underscoring the country’s growing capabilities in manufacturing sustainable fuel alternatives for global markets.
The Port of Shanghai, one of the world’s busiest and most advanced ports, continues to set the standard for clean energy bunkering operations. This successful operation further reinforces China’s pivotal role in the development of green energy solutions for global shipping, as the country plays a key part in shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport.
Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) Bunkering
The bunkering operation was completed using Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS), a method that allows green methanol to be transferred to HMM Green while simultaneously managing port activities. This efficiency marks a key milestone in advanced bunkering operations, demonstrating the Port of Shanghai’s expertise in integrating clean fuel solutions into its complex port operations.
Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, China’s first and largest methanol bunkering vessel, facilitated the operation, showcasing the country’s expertise in delivering large-scale, sustainable fuel alternatives for the shipping industry. This successful operation is a significant step in demonstrating the viability of methanol as a clean fuel and proves that China can provide global solutions to the shipping industry’s energy transition.
A Joint Effort to Drive the Energy Transition in Shipping
The successful bunkering operation also aligns with HMM’s ongoing collaboration with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG). The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2024 to strengthen the bunkering cooperation for clean marine fuels, focusing on methanol and LNG at Shanghai Port.
As the world seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, China’s role in providing alternative fuels and green energy solutions for the shipping industry will continue to be pivotal in ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for global maritime transport.
This methanol bunkering operation serves as a powerful reminder of the growing momentum for clean fuels and collaborative efforts in the global shipping industry. With HMM Green leading the way, the maritime sector is well on its way toward achieving sustainable shipping goals and embracing renewable energy solutions.
HMM’s Commitment to Sustainability
As HMM continues to lead the charge toward more sustainable shipping practices, the successful completion of this methanol bunkering operation is a key moment in the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. The HMM Green is not only a step forward in decarbonizing shipping but also an example of the company’s broader strategy to embrace low-carbon solutions and green technologies across its entire fleet.
By advancing projects like HMM Green, HMM is playing a crucial role in reducing the carbon impact of the shipping sector, while also contributing to the global push for cleaner energy and sustainable fuels.
Towngas Supports Shanghai’s Green Methanol Bunkering Milestone
Towngas played a crucial role in the success of the first methanol bunkering for HMM Green at the Port of Shanghai. The 2,900 tons of ISCC-EU-certified green methanol used for the operation were produced by Towngas at its facility in Inner Mongolia, highlighting the company’s leadership in the green energy sector. The operation was part of a collaborative effort between Towngas and the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) to advance the use of sustainable fuel solutions in global shipping.
This methanol bunkering operation showcases Towngas’s significant contributions to the development of green energy alternatives in the maritime industry. By producing green methanol from biomass and municipal waste, Towngas is helping reduce carbon emissions and supporting HMM’s commitmen Towngas Supports Shanghai’s Green Methanol Bunkering Milestone
Deployment of HMM GREEN on Key Routes
HMM GREEN is deployed on HMM’s independently operated FIM (Far East Asia, India, and Mediterranean Sea) service. This service will provide HMM with a key advantage in its commitment to sustainability, as it ensures the company’s operations align with its environmental and business objectives.
About HMM
HMM is a globally recognized leader in integrated logistics and shipping services, offering a wide range of customized solutions for various cargo types, including container, bulk, and special cargo. The company operates a fleet of over 100 vessels, ensuring seamless and reliable shipping services across the globe. HMM’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer-focused service positions it as a vital player in the future of the maritime industry.
Source HMM