Ningbo-Zhoushan Port completes first bonded green methanol STS bunkering

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation for bonded green methanol, marking a step forward in China's push to expand low-carbon marine fuel supply infrastructure.

The operation, carried out on April 22 at the Meishan port area, involved the transfer of around 503 mt of green methanol from the bunkering vessel "Daqing 268" to the 20,000 TEU dual-fuel container ship "COSCO Shipping Libra," port officials and Zhejiang Provincial Port and Shipping Management Center said in a statement on April 23.

The milestone shifts Zhejiang province's methanol bunkering model from conventional shore-to-ship supply to STS delivery, which is considered the dominant global method for refueling large vessels due to higher efficiency and operational flexibility.

Closing infrastructure gap

Officials said the operation fills a technological gap in ship-to-ship methanol bunkering in Zhejiang and strengthens the port's position as a multi-fuel hub capable of supplying LNG, biofuels and methanol.

The fuel was supplied under bonded status using an "export supervision warehouse + bonded warehouse" model, streamlining logistics and reducing handling requirements for hazardous cargo. Authorities said the approach cuts transfer time and costs while improving supply chain efficiency.

Safety protocols implemented

Given methanol's flammability and toxicity, the operation incorporated multiple safety measures, including nitrogen inerting, leak detection, emergency shutdown systems and continuous gas monitoring.

Regulators also deployed a full-process supervision framework covering remote monitoring, patrols and on-site inspections.

Green methanol gains traction

The development comes as the International Maritime Organization pushes for lower-carbon fuels in shipping. Green methanol—produced from biomass or waste—offers lifecycle emissions reductions compared with fossil-based methanol and can be used in dual-fuel engines without major retrofits.

Industry participants note that STS capability is critical for scaling methanol as a marine fuel, particularly at high-throughput ports handling large container vessels.

With the latest operation, Ningbo-Zhoushan joins a limited number of ports in China able to offer STS bunkering across multiple alternative fuels, supporting the sector's transition toward cleaner energy while enhancing its competitiveness as a global bunkering hub.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed Singapore-delivered B24 VLSFO biobunkers at a premium of $231/mt over the Platts FOB Singapore Marine Fuel 0.5%S cargo assessment on April 23, down $5/mt week over week. B30 VLSFO followed the same trajectory, easing $5/mt to a premium of $268/mt.

In the HSFO segment, B24 was assessed at a $238/mt premium over FOB Singapore 380 CST 3.5%S fuel oil, down $3/mt week over week, while B30 HSFO fell $10/mt to $274/mt.