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Maersk and Shanghai International Port Group have signed an MOU on strategic cooperation to explore green methanol ship-to-ship bunkering at Shanghai Port
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The ship-to-ship bunkering operation will start after Maersk takes delivery of its green methanol ships in 2024
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Maersk says the partnership with SIPG will leverage on the port operator’s strong capabilities in bunkering service and port operation
Danish transport and logistics giant Maersk and Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on green fuel bunkering on a vessel-to-vessel basis at Shanghai Port after Maersk takes delivery of its green methanol ships in 2024.
Maersk has set a net-zero emissions target for 2040 across the entire business, and the delivery and operation of its 19 vessels with dual-fuel engines that can run on green methanol will accelerate the evolution of climate neutral shipping.
The company said in a press release that establishing port bunkering infrastructure for methanol is therefore imperative and critical to achieve this goal.
“Collaborating with ports globally to build green fuel bunkering infrastructures is necessary to service methanol vessels. It is an important step as Maersk strives to lead the decarbonization of end-to-end supply chains and make a meaningful environmental impact in this decade,” said Vincent Clerc, chief executive of Maersk.
Copenhagen-based Maersk will partner with SIPG, leveraging on its strong capabilities in bunkering service and port operation, Clerc said.
“Through joint efforts, we can provide low-carbon logistics service for our customers, also contributing to China’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2060. Meanwhile, we also endeavor to cultivate synergies with SIPG and fuel manufacturers to optimize fuel infrastructure efficiencies,” he added.
SIPG, the main operator of the world’s busiest container port, also aspires to become a leader in developing green and ecological ports.
The agreement, therefore, will also support the aspiration of Shanghai Port to become one of the world’s first commercial green methanol refuelling points and a regional green fuel bunkering center.
SIPG chairman Gu Jinshan said his company is happy to collaborate with Maersk in support of its mission to decarbonize the shipping industry.
“As the demand for sustainable fuels increase, establishing the green fuel bunkering service will be another milestone for SIPG, improving port services and enhancing the competitiveness of Shanghai port, in a bid to transform the company into a low-carbon and eco-friendly energy hub in Asia Pacific,” Gu said.
“SIPG will continue to work with shipping companies to foster Shanghai shipping hub gateway and the green, low-carbon transformation of shipping industry in Shanghai,” he added.
Maersk and SIPG said they will deepen cooperation in stages. In the first phase, SIPG, as Maersk’s potential energy bunkering service provider, will carry out vessel-to-vessel bunkering and fuel tank storage at port.
In the potential second stage, the parties will explore how to form an all-round energy strategic partnership to promote the extension from bunkering services to the upstream of the green methanol industry chain.
