A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) on strategic cooperation for Shanghai Port methanol marine fuel project. The two parties will explore green methanol fuel vessel-to-vessel bunkering operation after Maersk’s green methanol container vessels being delivered 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 able to operate on green methanol will accelerate the evolution of climate-neutral shipping. Establishing port bunkering infrastructure for methanol is imperative and critical to achieve this goal.

The agreement will also support the aspiration of Shanghai Port to become one of the world’s first commercial green methanol refueling points, and as a regional green methanol fuel bunkering center.

Maersk and SIPG will deepen cooperation in stages. In the first phase, SIPG, as Maersk’s potential energy bunkering service provider, will carry out services of 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.