COSCO Shipping Launches Green Bunkering Services in China
COSCO Shipping has taken a significant step toward greener ocean transportation by introducing its first bonded green methanol bunkering operation at Dalian Port in northern China. This achievement reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping solutions and sets a precedent for the global maritime industry.
In mid-July, one of COSCO Shipping’s container vessels was supplied with 500 metric tons of domestically produced green methanol. The ship, a state-of-the-art methanol dual-fuel container carrier, primarily serves major international routes. This marked the first time an international vessel received bonded (duty-exempt) green methanol at a northern Chinese port.
The successful operation strengthens Dalian Port’s role as a strategic hub for green shipping fuels in Northeast Asia and lays the groundwork for an expanded network of eco-friendly fuel supply points.
The green methanol used in this operation is produced domestically from renewable sources such as agricultural residues and recycled materials. Through advanced gasification and synthesis technology, these feedstocks are transformed into a fuel that meets strict sustainability standards. This type of fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 100% compared to conventional marine fuels when factoring in the full lifecycle.
This achievement is part of a larger initiative to establish a north-to-south green methanol supply chain in China. Previous successful bunkering operations at other major ports have already laid the foundation for a network capable of serving a growing fleet of dual-fuel vessels. The goal is to create a seamless and reliable supply of low-carbon marine fuel to support the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy.
The introduction of bonded green methanol bunkering is more than a technological breakthrough—it is a strategic move with far-reaching implications:
Environmental Benefits: Green methanol significantly reduces carbon emissions and helps shipping companies meet international decarbonization targets.
Future-Ready Operations: Dual-fuel vessels can operate on both conventional and green fuels, allowing for flexibility as global fuel infrastructure evolves.
Competitive Advantage: Offering sustainable shipping options enhances COSCO’s reputation and attracts eco-conscious partners and customers.
Industry Leadership: This initiative positions COSCO Shipping as a pioneer in practical, scalable green fuel solutions.
Beyond methanol, COSCO Shipping is actively exploring other alternative fuels such as green ammonia and LNG. The company has already completed innovative bunkering operations with these fuels, further broadening its portfolio of clean energy solutions. These efforts align with a long-term strategy to achieve carbon neutrality and support the shipping industry’s sustainable growth.
As international regulations on carbon emissions become increasingly strict, green fuel solutions will play a critical role in the competitiveness of shipping companies. COSCO Shipping’s investment in green methanol and other alternative fuels is both a proactive response to future market demands and a statement of leadership in the race toward decarbonization.
The launch of bonded green methanol bunkering at Dalian Port is not just a first for the region—it is a bold step toward reshaping the future of maritime logistics. With a growing network of green fuel supply points and an expanding fleet of dual-fuel vessels, COSCO Shipping is setting a powerful example for the entire industry.
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