A Singaporean shipping company achieved a ground-breaking milestone by conducting the world's first simultaneous refuelling of a container ship with bio-methanol while loading cargo at the port. Shmuel Yoskovitz, CEO, Singapore-based X-Press Feeders, highlighted that simultaneous loading and refuelling significantly expedite a vessel's turnaround time. With this approach, ships can sail at a slower pace, thereby reducing fuel consumption, costs, and emissions.

Francis Goh, COO, hailed this achievement as a significant leap forward for X-Press Feeders and the global maritime industry. He emphasised that this was the first simultaneous port refuelling with green methanol, a key development in maritime sustainability efforts.

Green methanol, also known as bio-methanol, is produced from waste carbon dioxide (CO2) and green hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources. Compared to conventional marine fuels, green methanol boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint, reducing emissions by up to 65%.

Last year, a ship was refuelled with bio-methanol via another vessel, albeit offshore. Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority facilitated Monday's refuelling at the Tuas Port, indicating its readiness to offer methanol bunkering on a commercial scale. As one of the world's largest port operators and a major bunkering hub, Singapore is committed to advancing sustainable maritime practices.

In a bid to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, Danish shipping giant Maersk launched the first container ship running on bio-methanol last year. Notably, X-Press Feeders' vessel, manufactured in China, is capable of operating on both conventional fuel and green methanol. The company plans to add 14 such dual-fuel vessels to its fleet over the next year. (ET Infra)