Ulsan Port, South Korea, has made history by successfully completing the world’s first ship-to-ship (STS) green methanol supply to the very large container ship ANE MAERSK, marking a significant milestone in sustainable marine fueling. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, led by Minister Kang Do-Hyung, and Ulsan Port Authority, headed by President Kim Jae-gyun, jointly announced this groundbreaking achievement.
The success follows the establishment of a robust institutional foundation, including the ‘Guidelines for Approval of Self-Safety Management Plan for Methanol Supply,’ by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Two methanol supply demonstrations conducted in July and November of the previous year with Ulsan Port Authority contributed to the accumulation of essential know-how.
With global competition among ports intensifying for a share of the growing methanol fuel market, the successful demonstration at Ulsan Port holds strategic importance. The Ministry and Ulsan Port Authority plan to further enhance related systems, such as standard operating procedures for methanol supply, and collaborate with the private sector to ensure the economic viability of sustainable marine fuel supply.
ANE MAERSK, the world’s first large methanol dual-fuel containership, celebrated its maiden ship-to-ship (STS) green methanol bunkering at Ulsan Port. The bunkering operation, completed by the bunker vessel Golden Sunny Hana owned by Hana Marine, highlights Korea’s commitment to fostering sustainable marine fueling in its ports.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, with an eye on the future growth of sustainable marine fueling, continues to advance its institutional foundation. Minister Kang Do-Hyung emphasized, “Competition among international ports to preempt the market by building ports that supply sustainable marine fuel is accelerating.” He further expressed Korea’s dedication to leading the global shift to sustainable fuels in line with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions in the global shipping sector by 2050.
Ulsan Port Authority President Kim Jae-gyun remarked, “Following the success of the world’s first green methanol PTS bunkering for container ships in July last year, Ulsan Port has succeeded in green methanol STS bunkering for a very large container ship.” He pledged proactive measures to adapt to the paradigm shift in ship fuel, aiming to transform Ulsan Port into a hub for sustainable marine fuel supply.
ANE MAERSK, constructed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) in Ulsan, stands as the first of Maersk’s 18 large methanol-enabled vessels scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. As the world’s second methanol-enabled container vessel, it symbolizes a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime industry.
Hana Marine, a reputed South Korean shipping company that played a pivotal role in the recent success at Ulsan Port, has been a significant player in the international shipping arena since its establishment in 1987. Specializing in shipping petrochemical products for over three decades, Hana Marine has emerged as a mid-sized shipping company with a remarkable reputation. Boasting a fleet of 25 high-specification petrochemical tankers, the company has become a leading platform in the East Asia small vessel chemical shipping trade.
Source MOF Ulsan Port Authority