Hapag-Lloyd secures green methanol supply from China

This fuel, comprising a blend of bio- and e-methanol, promises at least a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while meeting stringent sustainability certification standards.

The agreement marks a significant step in Hapag-Lloyd’s Strategy 2030 and its commitment to the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement. “We are fully committed to sustainable investments and achieving net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. The deal secures a substantial portion of the carrier’s green fuel requirements and positions it as a leader in the shipping industry’s transformation toward decarbonisation.

By 2030, Hapag-Lloyd aims to cut its fleet’s absolute GHG emissions by around one third compared to 2022. The green methanol secured through this agreement is expected to save up to 400,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually compared to conventional fuels.

Goldwind plans to construct a green methanol production facility adjacent to its existing project in Hinggan League, China. Early volumes are expected in 2026, with full-scale production anticipated by late 2027, pending a final investment decision by the Goldwind Board. The facility will leverage shared technology and infrastructure to optimize production efficiency.

Goldwind Chairman Wu Gang expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “This collaboration reinforces the trust of a major shipping company and aligns with our shared vision for decarbonization.” Liu Rixin, Head of Goldwind Green Methanol, highlighted plans to develop a megaton green methanol base, signaling the scale and ambition of the project.

Hapag-Lloyd views green methanol as a cornerstone of its multi-fuel strategy. Jan Christensen, senior director of global fuel purchasing, emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing sustainable solutions, adding that the collaboration with Goldwind exemplifies the progress made toward decarbonisation.

The green methanol will help power Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet, including five 10,100 TEU charter vessels being converted to methanol dual-fuel propulsion systems in 2026. This initiative complements other decarbonization efforts, such as the recent investment in 24 new low-emission, dual-fuel LNG container ships announced earlier in November.