In Denmark, the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition confirms methanol is nearing commercial traction in shipping, with over 60 capable vessels operating, 300 on order, and nearly 20 ports offering green methanol bunkering, according to the Forum’s From Pilots to Practice report released in August 2025. Although most current use involves grey methanol, bio- and e-methanol have entered the market, with Maersk and X-Press Feeders leading deployments.
Shipowners describe methanol as relatively easy to adopt. Its liquid form at ambient temperature allows for simpler bunkering and retrofits compared to LNG or ammonia. While ships must bunker roughly twice as often due to methanol’s lower energy density, this is proving feasible even for long-haul routes.
Training, once a constraint, is expanding through new facilities and certification programs. Ports like Rotterdam, Singapore, and Antwerp-Bruges now conduct regular bunkering operations, often using conventional tankers with minimal modifications. Simultaneous operations are becoming standard practice.
The main barrier to scale is supply. Accessing green methanol often requires long-term offtake agreements. China has emerged as a major production base, offering lower costs, faster delivery, and flexible contract terms, positioning it to play a central role in global uptake.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
