Methanol bunkering and cargo operation first

During the four-hour procedure, an X-Press Feeder container ship took on board 300 tonnes of bio-methanol whilst undergoing cargo movements. The bio-methanol was supplied by Global Energy Trading, a Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)-licenced supplier using the MT KARA operated by Stellar Shipmanagement Services.

“Today marks a historic milestone for both Singapore and the global maritime industry,” said Francis Goh, chief operating officer at X-Press Feeders.

“These achievements demonstrate Singapore’s position at the forefront of the global maritime industry’s transition to renewable fuels.”

This latest milestone in the wider adoption of methanol as a marine fuel follows the first ship-to-containership bunkering of the Laura Maersk last year, which is now in regular service.

MPA has been using digital bunkering since November 2023, making Singapore the first port in the world to do so. The SIMOPS also proved the ability to transmit bunkering information electronically, paving the way for significant reductions in time and cost.

Methanol is a hazardous substance and the bunkering necessitated the setting up of an emergency operations centre supported by a drone and infrared camera to detect leaks. MPA also worked with the Meteorological Service of Singapore as lightning can pose a risk.

“The successful execution of the SIMOPS is the outcome of many months of preparation to plan, prepare and train to ensure the safety of the crew, port and vessel, while maintaining a high level of efficiency,” said Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA.

“The learnings gained will help to further refine the technical reference for methanol bunkering currently being developed.”