Shanghai Electric has completed its first large-scale biomethanol bunkering operation, which it says represents a milestone in the use of alternative fuels within the maritime sector.
Earlier this month, Shanghai Electric supplied biomethanol produced at its Taonan project to the container vessel CMA CGM OSMIUM at Yangshan Port in Shanghai, the first large-scale adoption of Chinese biomethanol by a major shipping firm.
The vessel is a next‑generation methanol‑dual‑fuel container ship owned by the CMA CGM Group, with the bunkering operation taking place over two days, incorporating a simultaneous loading and bunkering process, which enabled cargo handling and fuel supply to take place at the same time.
‘Next-generation fuels’
“The successful bunkering marks a breakthrough for Shanghai Electric in the fields of green hydrogen and next‑generation fuels,” a Shanghai Electric representative said. “Moving forward, Shanghai Electric will continue to deepen its R&D and industrial application of biomethanol technology, strengthening collaboration with global shipping and port operators.”
Located in Jilin Province, Shanghai Electric’s Taonan project is the first large-scale commercial biomethanol facility in China, leveraging the region’s abundant wind, solar, and biomass resources.
The facility utilises oxygen‑blown pressurised biomass gasification, flexible wind‑powered hydrogen production, and CO₂‑rich syngas‑to‑methanol synthesis, to create a fully integrated biomethanol production system.
Emissions reduction
It added that the biomethanol produced at the facility delivers a ‘significant reduction’ in emissions compared to conventional coal‑based methanol, providing the global shipping industry with a ‘reliable green fuel option, supporting the transition to low‑ and zero‑carbon operations’.
The biomethanol produced at the facility holds International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU).
The Taonan project currently has an annual production capacity of around 50,000 tonnes of biomethanol, with plans for further expansion.
“With independently developed core technologies and full‑chain solutions, we are committed to contributing solid momentum to the global energy transition and pursuing carbon neutrality in the maritime industry,” the spokesperson added. Read more here.
