Last week, the Port of Amsterdam witnessed its first-ever ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operation, signaling a new chapter in alternative fuel adoption in European ports.
The event unfolded at the TMA Logistics terminal in the Amerikahaven, where the offshore installation vessel Boreas, owned by Van Oord, received 500 tons of green methanol delivered from the bunkering vessel Chicago. The operation not only marks a technical first but represents a broader shift in the maritime industry toward cleaner energy sources.
The Boreas isn’t just any vessel. It’s the largest offshore installation ship of its kind and the first to run on methanol. Having entered the Amsterdam port through the IJmuiden sea lock in March, the vessel’s capabilities have now been formally recognized. A commemorative plaque was handed to the captain last week, underscoring the significance of the milestone.
Equipped with advanced emission control technology and a powerful 6,000 kWh battery system, the Boreas is engineered to cut down on both fuel consumption and emissions. “We’re excited to deploy this impressive vessel on our offshore wind projects,” said Jaap de Jong, project director at Van Oord, “and to contribute to the transition towards renewable energy.”
Certified Green Fuel, Clean Results
The 500 tons of green methanol bunkered into the Boreas were supplied by OCI HyFuels, via Unibarge’s bunkering vessel Chicago. This wasn’t just any methanol—it was ISCC-certified, ensuring it was produced from sustainable sources such as waste and residual streams. The result? Lower emissions of CO₂, nitrogen, and fine particulates compared to conventional marine fuels.
For Henri van der Weide, clean shipping advisor at Port of Amsterdam, this development is more than symbolic. “We’re pleased Van Oord opted for methanol,” he noted, calling the company a key frontrunner in the push for sustainable marine fuel solutions.
Amsterdam’s Multi Fuel Ambition
The Port of Amsterdam isn’t stopping at methanol. Under its Clean Shipping Vision, the port is actively developing the infrastructure and safety standards needed to become a fully functional Multi Fuel Port. That includes LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, and now methanol.
Through its collaboration with the Clean Marine Fuels Working Group, part of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the port has co-developed essential tools like safety checklists to guide fuel bunkering processes. “This kind of collaboration helps define what ports need to decarbonize shipping,” said Henri van der Weide.
Safety Above All
Safety remains front and center. According to van der Weide, any bunkering operation—especially with alternative fuels—requires strict compliance with IAPH safety standards, a licensed bunker operator, and an approved location. Methanol bunkering is no exception. “We designate bunkering locations based on safety assessments,” he said.
While LNG bunkering has become standard in Amsterdam, and hydrogen is just beginning to roll out, methanol joins the roster of fuels now actively used in the port. It’s another step closer to emission-free shipping—one that, while technical, speaks volumes about the direction of maritime energy transition.
