In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at decarbonizing global shipping, OCI Global, a leading chemicals company, and AP Moller-Maersk, a prominent shipping company, are preparing to introduce the world’s first ship powered by green methanol. This milestone initiative showcases the potential for green methanol to revolutionise the marine sector and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. OCI Global will supply bio-methanol to fuel Maersk’s first dual-fuelled vessel, a container ship, as part of their joint effort to drive sustainability in shipping. The vessel is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage from South Korea to Northern Europe via the Suez Canal later this year. The fuel used in the ship will be backed by ISCC certification, ensuring its sustainability credentials.
The collaboration between OCI Global and Maersk demonstrates the viability of green methanol as an efficient and safe fuel for global shipping and serves as a proof-of-concept for providing end-to-end green methanol solutions to marine customers. With the marine sector accounting for approximately three per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, this innovative endeavour holds great promise for significantly reducing the industry’s environmental impact.
As the largest producer of green methanol worldwide, OCI Global has been actively promoting the use of this fuel to decarbonise shipping operations. The company anticipates a substantial increase in global methanol demand, projected to rise by four million tonne per year over the next five years. Maersk, known for its commitment to sustainability, has set a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. To meet this ambitious goal, the company aims to transport at least 25 per cent of ocean cargo using green fuels by 2030, building upon a 2020 baseline.
OCI Global, positioning itself as the “last mile operator of choice” at strategic ports, is also seeking approvals to commercially bunker methanol. In collaboration with Unibarge, the company recently announced a pioneering project to retrofit a methanol-powered bunker barge—the world’s first—in Rotterdam Port, further bolstering its efforts to promote the adoption of green methanol within the maritime industry.
The partnership between OCI Global and Maersk signifies a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable shipping solutions. By harnessing the potential of green methanol, these industry leaders are spearheading the transition toward a more environment-friendly and carbon-neutral future for global maritime transportation.
