Ulsan Port, South Korea, has pioneered the supply of sustainable marine fuel with the successful completion of ship-to-ship (STS) green methanol supply to the ANE MAERSK, a very large container ship owned by A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, led by Minister Kang Do-Hyung, in collaboration with Ulsan Port Authority under President Kim Jae-gyun, proudly announced this historic feat, marking a world first in the maritime industry. The vessel, with a capacity of 16,000 containers, received green methanol from the bunkership GOLDEN SUNNY HANA, owned by Hana Marine, at the Ulsan Port anchorage.
The success of this STS green methanol supply is attributed to the meticulous groundwork laid by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, which established the necessary institutional foundation. This includes the formulation of the ‘Guidelines for Approval of Self-Safety Management Plan for Methanol Supply’ and conducting two methanol supply demonstrations with Ulsan Port Authority in July and November of the previous year.
With global ports intensifying their competition for dominance in the methanol fuel market, the significance of Ulsan Port’s successful demonstration cannot be overstated. This achievement is poised to elevate Korean ports as prominent players in sustainable marine fueling on the world stage.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Ulsan Port Authority are committed to continuous improvement. Efforts will include upgrading systems, establishing standard operating procedures for methanol supply, and collaborating with the private sector to enhance the economics of sustainable marine fuel supply.
Minister Kang Do-Hyung emphasized the escalating competition among international ports to lead in sustainable marine fuel supply, stating, “Under the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050 in the global shipping sector, we will make all-out efforts to strengthen competitiveness so that Korea can lead the global trend of switching to sustainable fuels.”
President Kim Jae-gyun echoed these sentiments, expressing Ulsan Port’s commitment to adapting to the paradigm shift in ship fuel. He stated, “We will do our best to proactively respond to the paradigm shift in ship fuel so that Ulsan Port can be reborn as a hub port for sustainable marine fuel supply.”
This achievement not only positions Ulsan Port as a frontrunner in sustainable maritime practices but also signifies a significant step toward a greener future for the global shipping industry.