A South Korean cargo vessel, the "HMM Green," has been successfully refueled with domestically produced green methanol via a specialized bunkering ship, marking a significant advancement in China's green methanol bunkering capabilities.

Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas) spearheaded the milestone operation at the Shanghai Port Yangshan Phase IV Automated Terminal. Utilizing the methanol bunkering vessel "Haigang Zhiyuan" under Shanghai Port Energy, Towngas completed the simultaneous bunkering while the "HMM Green" underwent container loading and unloading. This operation represents the first large-scale bunkering of domestically sourced green methanol and stands as the largest such project in Asia.

The green methanol utilized in this bunkering was produced by the gas company at its facility in Ordos, Inner Mongolia. It was then transported to Shanghai Port through a combination of land and sea routes. This green methanol, derived from biomass resources and urban waste, holds ISCC-EU certification, signifying a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout its lifecycle. This achievement underscores the gas company's technical prowess and leading position within the green energy sector.

The successful bunkering also highlights the strong collaborative efforts between Towngas and Shanghai Port Group, establishing a complete industrial chain supply service for domestically produced green methanol at Shanghai Port.

Towngas employs its proprietary technology at its Inner Mongolia plant to convert biomass and urban waste into green methanol. The facility has consistently secured both EU ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS international certifications since 2022. The company holds the distinction of being the first entity in mainland China to achieve these dual certifications for green methanol and to produce it on a large scale, with a projected output of 150,000 tons by 2025.

The global maritime industry is increasingly focused on reducing its environmental impact. The latest "Strategy for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships" mandates a minimum 20% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 2008, escalating to at least 70% by 2040. Green methanol is widely considered a promising alternative fuel for the shipping industry due to its safety profile, technological maturity, and potential for large-scale production.

Towngas, with its established experience in investing in and operating green methanol projects, is committed to further collaboration to expand the development and production of this sustainable fuel. The company aims to promote the widespread adoption of green energy, foster a green shipping ecosystem, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the global shipping industry.