The ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven in Germany can now store methanol for bunkering operations.
Methanol-capable storage is available on the Weser river, and bunker suppliers in the region are examining expansion possibilities and the production of green methanol, according to the ports authority.
Methanol is seen as an alternative marine fuel that could help shipowners comply with maritime regulations such as the EU emissions trading system (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime. The EU's FuelEU maritime regulation will require ship operators travelling in, out and within EU territorial waters to gradually reduce their GHG intensity on a lifecycle basis, starting with a 2pc reduction in 2025, 6pc in 2030, reaching an 80pc reduction by 2050, compared with 2020 base year levels.
The ports of Bemen and Bremerhaven received 62mn t of cargo in 2024, up by 5.9pc from 2023. Overall, containers represented 4.4mn TEUs in 2024, an increase of 6.3pc compared with 2023.
