UniBarge, an innovative leader in sustainable inland shipping, has successfully completed a milestone green methanol bunkering operation at Waalhaven, Rotterdam, marking a significant advancement in sustainable marine fuel supply. The operation saw UniBarge’s bunker vessel Chicago deliver green methanol to the Fugro Pioneer, a vessel recently retrofitted with methanol engines. This achievement reinforces the maritime sector’s shift toward cleaner fuels and highlights UniBarge’s leadership in sustainable bunkering solutions.
Green Methanol: A Key Solution for Decarbonizing Shipping
The Fugro Pioneer’s transition to green methanol is a major step toward achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2035, a core objective of Fugro’s sustainability strategy. By switching to green methanol, the vessel is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 90% compared to traditional diesel fuel, supporting more sustainable offshore geophysical operations.
This initiative is part of the broader MENENS consortium, a Fugro-led effort backed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to promote green methanol adoption in the maritime industry. The Fugro Pioneer serves as a crucial example of how methanol-powered vessels can contribute to the decarbonization of offshore and shipping operations.
UniBarge’s Expanding Role in Alternative Fuel Bunkering
UniBarge continues to strengthen its position as a leading supplier of sustainable marine fuels. The company recently secured a methanol bunkering license covering Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Antwerp, enabling it to supply the low-carbon fuel across three of Europe’s most critical ports.
Operating a fleet of 70 vessels, UniBarge is investing in innovative fuel technologies and emissions-reduction strategies to further minimize its environmental footprint. As part of its ongoing commitment to decarbonization, the company is developing Europe’s first dual-fuel green methanol bunker vessel, reinforcing its pioneering role in alternative fuel supply.
Investment in Low-Emission Technologies
Beyond methanol bunkering, UniBarge is implementing advanced low-emission technologies across its fleet. The company has equipped its vessels with Stage V-certified diesel engines featuring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalysts to meet stringent emissions standards. Additionally, investments in eco-friendly gas tankers further support UniBarge’s mission to transport low-emission fuels efficiently across Europe’s inland waterways.
The Growing Importance of Green Methanol in Shipping
Green methanol is emerging as a key alternative fuel for the maritime industry, offering a practical solution to meeting stringent environmental regulations. With the ability to cut carbon emissions by over 90%, green methanol aligns with industry-wide sustainability goals while ensuring operational efficiency.
A major advantage of green methanol is its compatibility with existing marine infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive retrofitting. As demand for low-carbon fuels increases, shipowners are increasingly turning to methanol as a viable pathway toward compliance with future environmental regulations.
UniBarge’s Expanding European Network
With operations spanning key shipping corridors, including the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, the Port of Hamburg, the German canal network, and the Rhine River, UniBarge has positioned itself as a crucial player in Europe’s sustainable bunkering sector. The company’s ability to provide efficient and timely fuel deliveries across these waterways further strengthens its role in supporting the maritime industry’s energy transition.
Fugro Pioneer: A Model for Sustainable Shipping
The Fugro Pioneer is central to Fugro’s commitment to decarbonization, with its methanol retrofit aligning with the company’s goal of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2035. By operating on green methanol, the vessel enables Fugro to offer its clients a more sustainable offshore services option while maintaining efficiency.
Supported by the MENENS consortium, the vessel’s conversion to methanol demonstrates the feasibility of transitioning existing fleets to low-emission fuels. With the Fugro Pioneer now fully methanol-powered, Fugro is playing a key role in the expansion of the green methanol market and the broader adoption of sustainable maritime solutions.
UniBarge’s successful methanol bunkering operation in Rotterdam underscores the growing momentum behind alternative marine fuels. As the maritime industry intensifies efforts to cut emissions, companies like UniBarge and Fugro are demonstrating how green methanol can play a crucial role in reducing carbon footprints while ensuring continued operational efficiency.
With an expanding network, investments in dual-fuel technology, and a commitment to sustainable bunkering, UniBarge is poised to remain a leader in the transition to cleaner maritime fuels.
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, dedicated to collecting and analyzing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Through integrated data acquisition, advanced analysis, and expert advisory services, Fugro unlocks critical insights from Geo-data to support clients in designing, building, and operating their assets safely, sustainably, and efficiently.
With a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, Fugro plays a key role in enabling smarter infrastructure, offshore energy solutions, and sustainable maritime operations worldwide.
About UniBarge
UniBarge operates a modern fleet, offering comprehensive transport solutions for mineral oils to leading companies in the oil and chemicals industry. With a commitment to reliability, safety, and sustainability, UniBarge provides 24/7 services tailored to meet customer demands efficiently.
The company’s extensive sailing network covers key European waterways, including the ARA ports (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Flushing, Antwerp), the Port of Hamburg, the German canals, and the Rhine River up to Switzerland. By focusing on innovative and sustainable operations, UniBarge continues to set industry standards in inland bunkering and fuel transportation.