SIPG Energy’s Hai Gang Zhi Yuan successfully delivered a record-breaking 3,000 tons of domestically produced green bio-methanol to HMM’s dual-fuel container ship HMM LEAF at the Shanghai anchorage. This historic operation marks Shanghai Port’s first anchorage green methanol bunkering, setting a new national milestone for single-volume alternative fuel supply.
Shanghai, China | June 22, 2026 – In a landmark milestone for maritime decarbonisation in East Asia, Shanghai Port has successfully executed its first-ever green methanol bunkering operation at anchorage. The operation simultaneously shattered the national record for the largest single volume of green methanol supplied at anchorage across China.
Executed on June 21, the historic ship-to-ship transfer saw SIPG Energy’s specialized methanol bunkering vessel, Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, deliver a colossal 3,000 tons of domestically produced green bio-methanol to the methanol dual-fuel container vessel MV HMM LEAF.
Engineering Green Progress at Anchorage
The ship-to-ship transfer took place smoothly at the Shanghai anchorage, underscoring the port’s expanding multi-modal bunkering capabilities beyond traditional terminal berths.
The recipient vessel, MV HMM LEAF, is a powerhouse of modern naval architecture. Boasting an overall length of 282 meters and a beam of 46 meters, it stands proudly as one of nine 9,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships ordered by HMM. Significantly, it is the premier unit delivered among a pair of sister vessels constructed by HJ Heavy Industries, representing the next wave of sustainable ultra-large tonnage entering global liner trades.
Superior Environmental Performance
The milestone extends beyond sheer volume to the high-grade quality and origin of the marine fuel utilized. The 3,000 tonnes of green methanol supplied during the operation was entirely domestically manufactured bio-methanol.
Industry analysts note the fuel’s exceptional lifecycle metrics:
- Carbon Reduction Rate: Up to 149% across its full life cycle compared to conventional heavy fuel oils (HFO), placing it on the cutting edge of net-negative or ultra-low carbon compliance options under tightening international frameworks.
- Supply Chain Localization: Sourced and refined within domestic production networks, demonstrating China’s rapid maturation in establishing a secure, scalable, and independent green marine fuel supply chain.
Strategic Significance for the Global Bunkering Hub
While international discourse surrounding maritime decarbonisation occasionally experiences shifting policy political headwinds or slowing momentum, major Asian hubs like Shanghai continue to aggressively build out their green shipping corridors and physical infrastructure.
By executing a complex, record-breaking 3,000-tonne delivery at anchorage, SIPG Energy and the Port of Shanghai have reinforced their operational readiness. The operation proves that Chinese ports can seamlessly handle large-scale, alternative-fuel logistics for the world’s largest container lines, cementing Shanghai’s status as an indispensable global epicenter for future marine energy.
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.
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.
Source: SIPG Energy | HMM