Qingdao Port of Shandong Port Group (SPG) supplied 210 metric tons of methanol to a container vessel named COSCO SHIPPING CARNATION at Berth 79 of Qianwan port area on Aug 14, marking the official implementation of SPG's first methanol bunkering operation for a vessel.

The move represents another milestone of SPG in terms of advancing its bunkering capability of multiple types of green marine bunkers after it achieved the normal bunkering operation of bio-marine fuel. It also marks that SPG has become a port capable of supplying both bio-marine fuel and methanol, signifying a solid step forward in its endeavors to grow into an international shipping hub center in Northeast Asia.

Methanol bunkering operations are underway at Qingdao Port. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Backed by its strong technological prowess and risk management capability, SPG was licensed to engage in green methanol supply for bunkering last November.

Relying on its efficient and complete integrated supply chain service system, SPG has continuously deepened the coordination of ports, logistics, finance, trade, shipping and overseas business across the supply chains, strengthening collaboration among ports, governments, customs, railways and enterprises. It has also created a whole-chain service system encompassing production, storage, transportation and bunkering, thereby paving way for the implementation of methanol bunkering operations.

Currently, only a few ports worldwide are qualified to conduct methanol bunkering. The implementation of SPG's first methanol bunkering business marks a crucial part of its green transition and will help China secure a more favorable position among the global green shipping service network.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, SPG will focus on China's dual carbon goals to promote the optimization of green methanol industrial chains and deepen international cooperation, as well as improve its service capability of supplying green bunker fuels for ships. The aim is to provide SPG solutions to the green and sustainable development of shipping industry in China and beyond.

The first ship bunkering service using methanol at Shandong Port Group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]