TankMatch, a leading service provider in the transport and storage of mineral oil products, liquid chemicals, and renewable liquid products, has reached a significant milestone with a successful green methanol bunkering operation at the Port of Rotterdam on July 28th.
This landmark event saw the ECO Maestro, a pioneering dual-fuel green methanol-powered container vessel from X-Press Feeders, receive a bunker supply from the bunker barge MTS Experience. The operation, conducted in collaboration with OCI Global and X-Press Feeders at the ECT Delta Terminal, marked a key advancement in sustainable maritime fuel solutions. The green methanol, integral to this operation, was supplied by OCI Fuels.
TankMatch’s successful execution of this green methanol bunkering represents a major step in the company’s strategic entry into the methanol bunker market.
Green Methanol’s Potential as a Clean Fuel
Green methanol presents several advantages over traditional fossil fuels:
- Clean-Burning: Methanol is known for its clean-burning properties, producing less and non-toxic emissions compared to fossil fuels.
- Storage and Handling: As a liquid fuel, methanol is easier, safer, and more cost-effective to store, transport, and handle. Existing infrastructure can be leveraged for its use.
- Efficiency: With an energy density of 15.8 MJ/kg, methanol is three times more energy-dense than compressed hydrogen, making it a highly efficient fuel.
- Versatility: Methanol is suitable for use in both internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
Produced from renewable feedstocks such as hydrogen and biomethane, green methanol can significantly contribute to decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries, including marine and heavy transport, power generation, and industrial sectors.
The transition to greener fuels is driven by the European Union’s legislative frameworks, including the Emissions Trading System (ETS) Maritime and the forthcoming FuelEU Maritime regulations, which will take effect in 2025. These initiatives are accelerating the adoption of lower carbon fuels in the maritime sector.
Early adopters like X-Press Feeders are already integrating green methanol into their operations, reflecting a significant shift towards sustainable fuels. Currently, approximately 30 vessels are using green methanol, with more than 270 additional vessels on order for delivery by 2027. This growth signifies an anticipated increase of over 7.5 million tonnes in annual methanol demand.
About OCI Global
We’re a world-leading producer and distributor of nitrogen, methanol, and hydrogen products, driving forward the decarbonization of the energy-intensive industries that shape, feed, and fuel the world. Through our cleaner products and practical solutions, we’re improving the way we work and live by making our transport cleaner, products greener, and our harvests better.
As a game-changing leader in our industry, we’re supporting food and energy security today and developing cleaner solutions for tomorrow. We are strategically positioned with unrivalled global capabilities and assets, giving us the infrastructure and network to deliver high-quality products at speed and scale.
About TankMatch
TankMatch stands at the forefront of transport and storage services for mineral oil products, liquid chemicals, and renewable liquid products. Our extensive network spans rail, rivers, canals, and seaports throughout Europe, ensuring efficient and reliable service to our clients in the chemical, mineral, and sustainable sectors.
Our operations are divided into three key divisions: TankMatch Inland Shipping, TankMatch Rail, and TankMatch Storage Services. We operate a modern fleet of double-hulled tankers and tank wagons, supported by advanced infrastructure in rail and inland waterways, which are among the most environmentally efficient transport methods available.
In 2017, TankMatch transported a total of 9.5 million tons, including 7.0 million tons via inland waterways and 2.5 million tons by rail. Our fleet comprises 55 tankers and 300 tanker wagons, all managed with meticulous attention to detail.
We are committed to building long-term partnerships based on fairness and reliable communication. At TankMatch, we focus on delivering optimal solutions for complex transport challenges by rail and inland waterways. To explore partnership opportunities and discover how we can be the ideal match for your shipping needs, please contact us.
Source TankMatch | OCI Global