The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas), a prominent provider of ISCC-certified green methanol, has announced a significant step forward in its green methanol supply network with an agreement to supply green methanol to Singapore-based bunker supplier Golden Island Pte Ltd. This collaboration will enhance Golden Island’s bunkering operations in Singapore, further expanding Towngas’s presence across the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the terms of the supply arrangement, Towngas will provide ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS-certified green methanol for Golden Island’s new Singapore-flagged bunker tanker, Golden Antares. The vessel is set to depart from a Chinese shipyard by late April and will load the green methanol produced by Towngas before making its way back to Singapore to begin bunkering trials in July 2025.
Golden Antares: Equipped for Methanol Bunkering
The Golden Antares, with a carrying capacity of 6,500 tonnes of methanol, will transport the green methanol cargo to a Singapore-operated terminal. The vessel will also undergo bunkering trials to ensure compliance with Singapore’s recently published Technical Reference – 129 (TR-129) on Methanol Bunkering. This reference provides a comprehensive framework for the safe and efficient use of methanol as an alternative marine fuel.
This collaboration will pave the way for Golden Island to offer a sustainable and cleaner marine fuel alternative, further supporting the maritime industry’s decarbonisation goals. The Golden Antares is equipped with mass flow meters, ensuring accurate and transparent fuel delivery during bunkering operations.
Towngas’s Growing Green Methanol Presence
Commenting on the supply arrangement, Mr. Sham Man-fai, Chief Operating Officer – Green Fuels & Chemicals of Towngas, expressed excitement about the company’s expanding green methanol business. “We are delighted to see Towngas’s green methanol business gaining significant momentum across the region. The growing interest from clients worldwide in adopting our certified green methanol validates our strategic investment in this sustainable fuel. Supplying green methanol to customers like Golden Island aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing low-carbon solutions that support the shipping industry’s decarbonisation journey.”
He also highlighted the company’s future plans, stating that Towngas, in cooperation with Foran Energy Group, would soon expand its capacity to serve major ports in South China and the Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. This expansion will further solidify Towngas’s position as a leading green methanol supplier in Asia’s maritime sector.
Golden Island’s Commitment to Green Methanol
Mr. Tomohiro Yamano, General Manager of the Marine Fuel Department at Golden Island, spoke on the strategic significance of the partnership. “We are planning for the Golden Antares to lift the green methanol from Towngas, which has obtained ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications, before sailing back to Singapore for bunkering trials. With this arrangement in place, we ensure that green methanol marine fuel, provided by Golden Island, offers carbon intensity savings of more than 75% compared to conventional Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil,” Mr. Yamano said.
This significant move reflects Golden Island’s commitment to providing its customers with more sustainable alternatives to traditional marine fuels, which will play an important role in helping the shipping industry reduce its carbon footprint.
Towngas’s Green Methanol Production and Expansion Plans
Towngas’s green methanol production plant in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, uses proprietary technology to convert biomass and municipal waste into green methanol. Towngas was the first company on the Chinese mainland to produce ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS-certified green methanol. The facility’s annual production capacity is currently 100,000 tonnes, and it is expected to increase to 150,000 tonnes by the end of 2025, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its green methanol supply capacity.
Furthermore, Towngas has entered into a “Cooperation Framework Agreement for Green Fuel and Chemical Projects” with Foran Energy Group Company Limited. Both parties plan to raise RMB 10 billion to establish multiple green methanol production bases across China, targeting a combined annual production capacity of 1 million tonnes. The initial production capacity of the Foshan production plant is expected to reach 200,000 tonnes by 2028.
Towngas’s Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook
In January 2025, Towngas also signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd to jointly advance the supply and distribution of green methanol as a marine fuel. This agreement reflects Towngas’s broader strategy to expand its green methanol footprint and strengthen its position in the growing global demand for sustainable marine fuels.
Looking ahead, Towngas plans to continue expanding its green methanol supply capabilities through various strategic collaborations and supply agreements. With a clear focus on supporting the maritime sector’s transition toward carbon neutrality, Towngas is poised to play a pivotal role in the industry’s shift to low-carbon fuels.
About Towngas
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) is a leading energy provider committed to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions to the maritime and energy sectors. With a strong focus on environmental responsibility, Towngas is at the forefront of producing ISCC-certified green methanol, a cleaner alternative fuel for the shipping industry.
Towngas operates one of China’s first green methanol production plants in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, utilizing proprietary technology to convert biomass and municipal waste into high-quality methanol. As part of its strategic growth, Towngas is expanding its green methanol production capacity, forming partnerships with key players in the maritime sector, and driving the industry’s shift towards decarbonization. Through its ongoing investment in clean energy, Towngas is solidifying its position as a leading supplier of sustainable marine fuels in Asia and beyond.