EUKOR Car Carriers has successfully completed its first operation using green methanol for refueling, marking a significant step in the adoption of methanol-powered vehicle carriers. This effort is part of the industry's initiative to increase the availability of lower-carbon marine fuels.
The operation took place at the Port of Shanghai, where around 2,800 metric tons of green methanol were delivered to the Arctic Tern. This vessel is the first in Wallenius Wilhelmsen's new Shaper Class series, which focuses on pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).
The refueling was performed by SIPG Energy using its methanol bunkering vessel, Hai Gang Zhi Yuan. At the same time, cargo operations continued at Haitong Terminal in Shanghai’s Waigaoqiao Port Area.
This refueling operation marked several key milestones. It was EUKOR's first green methanol bunkering, the first time Arctic Tern had used methanol since it was delivered on July 9, and the first instance of an international PCTC operator receiving locally produced green methanol at the Port of Shanghai.
World Fuel arranged the fuel supply for EUKOR, with SIPG Energy acting as the supplier. The fuel was produced in Shanghai from municipal solid waste and was certified under the ISCC-EU sustainability standard, having a carbon intensity below 25 gCO2e/MJ.
This operation showcased the expanding green fuel infrastructure in Shanghai, highlighting what participants described as a fully integrated supply chain that includes local production, storage, and bunkering.
“This achievement reflects the strong cooperation among all parties involved,” said Xavier Leroi, COO of Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers. “We have demonstrated how partnerships across the maritime value chain can make lower-emission fuels available and viable on a larger scale.”
Mark Tamsitt, Senior Vice President of Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, noted that the success of this operation shows the industry's growing readiness to support vessels powered by methanol.
“As more customers begin to use methanol dual-fuel ships, we are committed to being a partner that makes these operations common practice,” he said.
Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, mentioned that this bunkering set a new record in China for the largest simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) green methanol bunkering for a PCTC, further enhancing Shanghai's goal to become a global center for alternative marine fuels.
The Arctic Tern is the first of 14 Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. Built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, the 9,300 CEU vessel is operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, which is jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group.
After the bunkering operation, the vessel continued its maiden journey from Asia to Europe.
Methanol is becoming a leading alternative marine fuel for new vessels, especially in the container and vehicle carrier segments, as shipowners aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational flexibility. However, the availability of certified green methanol remains limited, making large-scale bunkering initiatives like this one essential for developing the necessary infrastructure to support the industry's decarbonization efforts.