Maersk has taken a significant step towards supporting the development of methanol bunkering in Japan by co-hosting the country’s first ‘methanol bunkering simulation’ at the Port of Yokohama.

The Alette Maersk, Maersk’s fifth dual-fuel methanol vessel, christened in Los Angeles at the end of August, participated in the methanol bunkering simulation conducted by Kokuka Sangyo’s methanol tanker, Eikamaru. To lay the foundation for future methanol bunkering, the involved parties collaborated to test key operations, including berthing, unberthing, and hose connections.

Japan is currently in the process of developing methanol fuel bunkering guidelines. Insights gained from this initiative will serve as valuable references in establishing these guidelines and in developing methanol fuel supply infrastructure and processes in Japan.

This simulation marks a significant development following Maersk’s Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical on the development of methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama. This initiative also receives support from additional stakeholders, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism’s Port and Harbor Bureau.

The director of the Industrial Port Policy Division at the Ports and Harbours Bureau expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in Japan's first methanol bunkering simulation.

“The Ports and Harbors Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has announced plans to convene a study group to explore the development of methanol bunkering hubs in Japan,” commented NAKAGAWA Kenzo, the Bureau’s Director of Industrial Port Policy.  “Establishing methanol bunkering hubs in our ports is vital, and we will accelerate discussions, leveraging the insights from this simulation.”

“Maersk is committed to a decarbonised future, and it is our great pleasure to support Japan’s ambition in decarbonising the shipping and energy sectors,” said Toru Nishiyama, Maersk’s Managing Director for Northeast Asia.  “We look forward to collaborating with the broader industry and ecosystem in Japan to accelerate the adoption and development of lower-emission practices in this country.”

Photo: Bunkering simulation with the Alette Maersk.