Report Offers Blueprint For Port Bunkering Of Green Methanol And Ammonia By 2030

• A new report from the Global Maritime Forum and RMI outlines strategies for ports to become first movers in providing green methanol and ammonia bunkering.
• It provides insights into the sources of these fuels and how ports can secure supply to meet the International Maritime Organization’s target of 5% use of zero-emission fuels by 2030.

The maritime industry is transitioning towards decarbonization, and significant changes in marine fuel sourcing and distribution are expected. The report anticipates that the low cost of transporting green methanol and ammonia, which are produced from green hydrogen, will lead to extensive trade linking low-cost production regions to key ports.

Differing Supply Dynamics

The study predicts different supply dynamics for green ammonia and green methanol as production increases this decade. Green methanol production is likely to be concentrated in major bunkering hubs and European ports, while global green ammonia trade will involve long-distance transport from projects in low-cost production regions such as the United States, South America, Australia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ports’ Role in Decarbonization

Ports can play a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of zero-emission fuels this decade to meet the IMO’s target of using at least 5% zero- or near-zero emission fuel for international shipping by 2030. The study identifies four port archetypes based on common opportunities, challenges, and required actions for green methanol or ammonia bunkering development.

Port Archetypes and Recommendations

The report outlines strategies for ports in each archetype, with examples including Singapore, Algeciras, Corpus Christi, Seattle & Tacoma, and Rotterdam. It provides tailored recommendations for ports to lead in the decarbonization of the industry, such as participating in hydrogen import-export coalitions and green shipping corridors.

Sveinung Oftedal, Chief Negotiator – Green Shipping of the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment and Chair of the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission, emphasized the importance of international knowledge sharing on the role of ports in developing low-emission shipping fuel markets. Ports can influence the decarbonization of maritime shipping by shaping standards and guidelines for bunkering new fuels and accelerating first-mover investments.

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