Maersk has co-hosted Japan’s first methanol bunkering simulation at the Port of Yokohama.
Methanol bunkering simulation
The Alette Maersk, Maersk’s fifth dual-fuel methanol vessel, has participated in a methanol bunkering simulation conducted by Kokuka Sangyo’s methanol tanker, Eikamaru. To lay the foundation for future methanol bunkering, the involved parties collaborated to test key operations, including berthing, unberthing and hose connections.
Japan is currently in the process of developing methanol fuel bunkering guidelines. According to Maersk, 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.
The bunkering simulation forms part of 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 received support from additional stakeholders, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Ports and Harbours Bureau.
Decarbonizing shipping
Nakagawa Kenzo, director of the industrial port policy division at the Ports and Harbours Bureau, commented, “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.”
Toru Nishiyama, managing director of Maersk Northeast Asia, added, “It is an honor to participate in the very first simulation of methanol bunkering in Japan. Maersk is committed to a decarbonized future, and it is our great pleasure to support Japan’s ambition in decarbonizing 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.”
In related news, Maersk’s first large methanol-enabled vessels recently entered service on the AE7 string connecting Asia and Europe, which includes port calls in Shanghai, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo and Hamburg, with Ningbo, China, its first destination. Click here to read the full story.