MOL and partners complete Japan's first STS methanol bunkering at anchorage

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has successfully carried out Japan’s first ship-to-ship (STS) methanol bunkering operation at anchorage, in collaboration with four partners.

IMAGE: Kohzan Maru VII (background) alongside Eika Maru during the STS operation. MOL

MOL conducted the operation in collaboration with the City of Yokohama, logistics firm Kokuka Sangyo, petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan, and chemical manufacturer Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC).

During the operation, methanol was transferred from Kokuka Sangyo’s coastal methanol transport vessel Eika Maru to MOL’s methanol dual-fuel vessel Kohzan Maru VII at Keihin Port in the Yokohama district. Both vessels are chartered by MGC.

The fuel supplied was domestically produced biomethanol from MGC’s Niigata Plant and is scheduled to be used for the future operation of the Kohzan Maru VII.

“Anchorage bunkering is a highly convenient operational method already used for conventional marine fuels, and a similar rise in demand is expected for methanol bunkering. This project marks Japan's first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operation at anchorage for methanol-fueled vessels in service,” MOL said.

MOL did not disclose further details, including the volume of methanol supplied.

By Tuhin Roy

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