Port of Klaipėda eyes role as methanol bunker port

The two parties have signed an Memorandum of Understanding which will help the port achive its aim of becoming an energy centre, not just a cargo, shipbuilding and repair base.

Proman will help the port in the planning, design and implementation of future methanol bunkering and the potential development of a methanol-to-power project for shore side power in or near the Klaipėda port.

“The number of ships powered by alternative fuels has been growing every year,” said Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

”The Port of Klaipėda is taking proactive steps to ensure the deployment of alternative fuels and to gain knowledge and know-how in the alternative energy industry. Together, we are building a network of partners and stakeholders who could potentially participate in various stages of green energy projects.”

Keeping up with demand

Last year, 275 alternative fuel ships were ordered worldwide, so ports are increasingly finding they need to make decisions today to keep pace and to offer alternative fuel hubs to shipping lines in time. 

The cooperation agreement commits to exchange information on methanol production, storage, supply, bunkering and use, combined with sustainable port development,  potential joint participation in methanol production and power projects and other initiatives.

Under the auspices of the agreement, Proman will also support the Port of Klaipėda to initiate dialogue and cooperation with methanol experts and operators, methanol clusters and associations, as well as shipping lines.

“Our range of products, particularly our low-carbon methanol blends, combined with our continuing investments in green and low-carbon methanol production facilities globally, will help catalyse the energy transition for a diverse range of industries,” said Timothy Cornelius, managing director of corporate development at Proman.

“This MoU with Klaipeda Port is a part of our effort to provide storage, bunkering and logistics solutions within Europe for our worldwide customer base.”