Cargill has received its first green-methanol dual-fuel dry bulk ship, marking an important step in the company's efforts to reduce emissions and explore alternative fuels in everyday shipping.
The Brave Pioneer, which was built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding in Japan and is owned by Mitsui & Co., started its first journey this week from the Philippines. The ship will refuel with green methanol in Singapore before heading to Western Australia and then to Europe. This vessel is the first of five methanol-capable bulk carriers that Cargill has chartered as part of a multi-year plan to enhance lower-carbon operations in its fleet.
This ship is designed to operate on either traditional marine fuels or green methanol, potentially achieving a 70 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions when using the alternative fuel. Cargill emphasizes that this initiative is as much about understanding how the fuel performs at sea as it is about achieving immediate reductions in emissions.
“Decarbonizing global shipping needs a combination of technologies and a willingness to take bold steps even if the entire system isn't ready yet,” stated Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill's Ocean Transportation division. “Technologies like green methanol and wind-assisted propulsion involve some uncertainties. But as a leader in the industry, we have a duty to test these new ideas at sea, share our findings, and help develop the systems and standards necessary for broader adoption.”
During this inaugural voyage, Cargill will conduct operational trials to analyze methanol refueling procedures, confirm environmental benefits through carbon-accounting systems, and assess customer interest in low-carbon shipping services. These results will inform the introduction of the four additional vessels that are set to join the fleet in the coming years.
Cargill Ocean Transportation oversees about 640 chartered vessels daily—roughly 70 percent of which are for third-party clients—from 10 offices around the globe, with its headquarters located in Geneva. The green-methanol initiative is part of a broader set of strategies that also includes wind-assisted propulsion, route optimization, energy-efficiency upgrades, and the use of biofuels and ethanol.
“We understand that the path to low-carbon shipping will need multiple solutions, and green methanol is one component of that mix,” Dieleman remarked. “These vessels are designed to operate at a top level using conventional fuel right now while giving us the option to switch to greener fuels as they become more accessible. It’s a practical approach to preparing for the future of ocean transport.”
As one of the largest dry-bulk charterers in the world, Cargill's actions are being observed by shipbuilders, fuel suppliers, and ports, indicating that the demand for alternative fuels is increasing. This deployment comes as the shipping industry faces rising pressure to reduce emissions despite limited supplies of renewable fuels and inconsistent refueling infrastructure—issues that will influence how quickly methanol and other alternatives can develop over the next decade.