In a significant move toward advancing sustainable shipping practices, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) co-hosted Japan’s first methanol bunkering simulation at the Port of Yokohama, marking a major step in developing methanol fuel bunkering in the region.
The simulation featured Alette Maersk, Maersk’s fifth dual-fuel methanol vessel, which was christened in Los Angeles at the end of August 2024. The Eikamaru, a methanol tanker operated by Kokuka Sangyo, played a key role in the bunkering exercise, which aimed to lay the groundwork for future methanol fuelling operations.
As Japan works to establish methanol fuel bunkering guidelines, this simulation offered critical insights into operational procedures. Key activities included berthing, unberthing, and hose connection, all crucial for the development of safe and efficient methanol bunkering infrastructure.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Maersk to promote sustainable maritime solutions and follows the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Maersk, the City of Yokohama, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical. The collaboration is aimed at developing a robust methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama, with support from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism’s Port and Harbor Bureau.
The insights gained from this bunkering simulation will be instrumental in shaping Japan’s methanol fuel supply infrastructure, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable fuelling operations for the future. With growing interest in alternative fuels, methanol has emerged as a promising option due to its lower carbon emissions compared to traditional marine fuels.
Japan is currently in the process of developing methanol fuel bunkering guidelines. Insights gained from this initiative will serve as valuable references in establishing these guidelines and in developing methanol fuel supply infrastructure and processes in Japan.
This bunkering simulation marks a significant development following Maersk’s Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical on the development of methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama. This initiative also receives support from additional stakeholders, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism’s Port and Harbor Bureau.
“The Ports and Harbors Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has announced plans to convene a study group to explore the development of methanol bunkering hubs in Japan. Establishing methanol bunkering hubs in our ports is vital, and we will accelerate discussions, leveraging the insights from this simulation,” Nakagawa Kenzo, Director of the Industrial Port Policy Division at the Ports and Harbours Bureau, said.
Yasuhiro Shimbo, Director General of the Port and Harbor Bureau in the City of Yokohama, stressed that the port of Yokohama is dedicated to developing methanol bunkering capabilities and contributing to the decarbonisation of both Japanese and international maritime transport.
Masahiko Naito, Division Director of the C1 Chemicals Division, noted that this is a big step towards implementing actual methanol bunkering and achieving carbon neutrality in Japan.
“Maersk is committed to a decarbonised future, and it is our great pleasure to support Japan’s ambition in decarbonising the shipping and energy sectors. We look forward to collaborating with the broader industry and ecosystem in Japan to accelerate the adoption and development of lower – emission practices in this country,” Toru Nishiyama, Managing Director, Northeast Asia, Maersk, said.
