Rotterdam issues first continuous methanol bunkering permit

In Greece, Safety4Sea reports the Port of Rotterdam and Tankmatch have granted the first continuous permit for methanol bunkering, formalized on December 18, 2024, following successful trials of its safety and viability. This development positions methanol as a sustainable marine fuel and advances the port’s strategy for decarbonizing shipping.

The permit signifies a shift from project-based methanol bunkering to routine operations, underpinned by new safety protocols and operational procedures co-developed by Tankmatch and the Port of Rotterdam. These guidelines establish a framework for safe and efficient bunkering, facilitating the fuel’s adoption across the maritime sector.

“Methanol offers a sustainable alternative for the shipping industry, and this permit ensures we can handle it safely and reliably,” said a Tankmatch representative. The company is also expanding its reach in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp region through a partnership with Evos, announced in September.

As global shipping embraces alternative fuels, Rotterdam is positioning itself as a hub for methanol bunkering, supporting the industry’s decarbonization goals. The port’s efforts complement broader regional initiatives, such as the planned bio-methanol plant by GIDARA Energy at Amsterdam’s Biopark, highlighting the growing importance of methanol in the energy transition.

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