X-Press Feeders marks debut bio-methanol bunkering in Singapore

X-Press Feeders, a container shipping company, successfully conducted its inaugural bio-methanol refuelling operation at the port of Singapore on Monday, according to Reuters.

This follows the recent delivery of their first out of 14 dual-fuel vessels ordered. With ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the company plans to increase its use of methanol as a fuel.

Bio-methanol, derived from decomposing organic matter, reduces carbon emissions by 65 per cent compared to conventional marine fuel.

The first dual-fuel vessel, departing from Shanghai to Rotterdam via Singapore, refuelled with approximately 300 metric tons of bio-methanol supplied by Global Energy Trading’s chemical bunker tanker.

This marked the first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation in Singapore, boosting productivity by reducing port time. X-Press Feeders intends to deploy methanol-fueled feeder ships on Baltic and Finland routes starting in July and October, respectively.

The company has ordered a total of 14 dual-fuel container ships to be received between 2024 and 2026 and has agreements with European ports to develop alternative fuel supply infrastructure.

Singapore, a major bunker hub, has received 50 proposals for methanol bunker fuel supply, with the potential to supply over 1 million tons annually by 2030.