Shandong Port Group (SPG) has successfully executed China’s first “one-to-many” ship-to-ship green methanol bunkering operation, delivering 2,500 metric tons of ISCC-certified bio-methanol to two COSCO Shipping vessels at Qingdao Port. This milestone confirms SPG as the first provider in Northern China to offer a fully integrated “production-to-bunkering” supply chain, utilizing the specialized bunker vessel Jian Hang Li Da. By supplying locally produced fuel with a negative carbon intensity value, SPG has established a scalable blueprint for the maritime industry’s transition toward sustainable, dual-fuel operations.
China | March 3, 2026 – Shandong Port Group (SPG) has officially achieved a breakthrough in the global green fuel race, completing China’s first “one-to-many” ship-to-ship (STS) green methanol bunkering operation. Over the course of March 2–3, 2026, the specialized bunker vessel Jian Hang Li Da successfully delivered 2,500 metric tons of bio-methanol to two international COSCO Shipping Lines container vessels at Qingdao Port’s Qianwan area.
The operation signifies more than just a logistical success; it marks the official streamlining of the “Shandong Integrated Chain”, a vertically integrated model of Shandong production, transportation, storage, and bunkering.
A Technical Milestone: Negative Carbon Intensity
The fuel supplied during this operation is at the cutting edge of the maritime energy transition. According to port officials, the green methanol used features:
- Local Production: Sourced entirely within Shandong province.
- Negative Carbon Intensity (CI): Verified as bio-methanol with ISCC EU certification, offering a net-negative carbon footprint.
- Dual-Fuel Compatibility: The receiving COSCO vessels are equipped with methanol/diesel dual-fuel systems, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) stringent 2030 and 2050 decarbonization targets.
The “One-to-Many” Advantage
By bunkering two international vessels in a single operation, SPG has demonstrated the scalability of its green fuel infrastructure. The Jian Hang Li Da, a bunker vessel specifically modified for this purpose through a partnership between Qingdao Port and Intercontinental Ship Management, served as the delivery hub. This “one-to-many” capability is essential for high-traffic ports looking to minimize turnaround times for the growing global fleet of methanol-powered boxships.
Strategic Evolution of SPG
Since its inception in 2019, SPG has systematically aggressively pursued a “Green Port” status. This latest milestone is the culmination of several industry firsts:
- Institutional Framework: The establishment of Ark Intelligence Company to deploy and manage the green fuel supply system.
- Certification Leadership: The first northern Chinese port to gain ISCC certification for green methanol warehousing and handling.
- Diverse Portfolio: SPG previously launched the first B24 bio-marine fuel bunkering in Northern China and pioneered truck-to-ship methanol transfers.
“This operation confirms that SPG is the first port in Northern China capable of providing a full-chain green methanol bunkering service,” stated SPG. “We are now providing solid, verifiable support for the green transition of the global shipping industry.”
Vessel & Operation Summary
| Detail | Specifications |
| Bunker Vessel | Jian Hang Li Da |
| Receiving Vessels | Two COSCO Shipping Lines Container Ships |
| Total Volume | 2,500 Metric Tons |
| Fuel Type | ISCC EU Certified Bio-Methanol (Negative CI) |
| Location | Qianwan Port Area, Qingdao Port |
| Operational Significance | First “One-to-Many” STS Methanol Bunkering in China |
The Bigger Picture
As the maritime industry faces mounting pressure to move away from heavy fuel oil (HFO), the ability of a single port group to produce, store, and bunker its own green fuel provides a blueprint for energy independence. SPG’s integration of hydrogen-electric tugboats, automated terminals, and now full-chain green methanol bunkering, positions it as a dominant player in the future of the trans-Pacific green corridors.
About Shandong Port Group (SPG)
Headquartered in Qingdao, Shandong Port Group (SPG) is a premier state-owned enterprise overseeing a powerhouse cluster of four major ports: Qingdao, Rizhao, Yantai, and Bohai Bay. Since its formation in 2019, SPG has evolved into a global maritime leader, managing 21 port areas, over 370 berths, and 350+ container routes. In 2024, the group demonstrated its immense scale by handling over 1.8 billion tons of cargo and 44 million TEUs.
As a central hub for the Northeast Asia international shipping network, SPG is aggressively pursuing a “world-class green port” strategy. Beyond traditional cargo handling, the group operates across 12 sectors, including logistics, ocean shipping, and financial trade, to build a comprehensive, integrated supply chain system. By pioneering smart terminals and green fuel infrastructure, SPG is setting the standard for modern, sustainable maritime operations on a global scale.
Source: SPG