Maersk signs MoU with City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical on Development of Green Methanol Bunkering Infrastructure in Yokohama

January 02, 2024

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(Maersk) A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) announced today that the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC). This collaborative agreement will focus on the development of green methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama as Maersk’s 16,000 TEU green methanol-powered container vessels will be delivered since 2024. It also highlights the parties’ shared commitment to sustainable initiatives and the transition towards a greener future.

Maersk has an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 throughout its entire business. For shipping, it will equip its 25 container vessels with dual-fuel engines capable of sailing on green methanol. The successful implementation of this initiative heavily relies on the establishment of port bunkering infrastructure for methanol worldwide.

As shipping companies increasingly prioritize decarbonization efforts, the availability of green fuel bunkering options and the feasibility to carry out the operation in Japan becomes paramount. We are delighted to join forces with the City of Yokohama, renowned for its leadership in establishing green shipping corridors in Japan, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, a pioneer in domestic methanol production. Together, we aim to pave the way for the development of green fuel bunkering infrastructure in the country.

Toru Nishiyama

Managing Director of Maersk Northeast Asia.

The City of Yokohama oversees the Port of Yokohama, which includes the Minami-Honmoku container terminal operated by APM Terminals Japan. The port stands as Japan's deepest water berth, boasting a total length of 1,600 meters and a draft of 18 meters. It features advanced STS cranes, capable of reaching out up to 24 rows. Since the opening of Yokohama Port in 1859, it has served as a pivotal gateway to Japan and Asia. As part of its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Yokohama is at the forefront of developing Japan's green shipping corridors.

Yokohama Port has proudly held the record for the highest number of foreign vessels calls in Japan for around 60 years, underscoring its critical role in maritime transportation where 'fuel supply and bunkering for vessels' holds significant importance. Moving forward, the three parties involved will collaborate to promote the use of green methanol in accordance with the memorandum. Yokohama aims to spearhead the development of Japan's green shipping corridors while also aiming to explore and invite more like-minded future partners to join the initiative.

Dr. Takeharu Yamanaka

Mayor of Yokohama.

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has been a trailblazer in methanol production in Japan since 1952, establishing itself as the largest supplier with a contribution of over 50% of the country's methanol supply. Leveraging its extensive methanol production technology, it will continue to drive sustainable solutions and resource efficiency in the country.

We believe that the establishment of methanol as a ship fuel supply base in Japan is an important initiative that will contribute to international maritime transport and carbon neutrality of Japan. From this point, we are pleased to have agreed with City of Yokohama and Maersk today for such initiative and we hope this will accelerate the action with support from related ministries, agencies, and stakeholders.

Masashi Fujii

President of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical.

The collaboration will focus on examining operational feasibility and developing port facilities required for green methanol bunkering at the Port of Yokohama. Through joint efforts, the partners seek to drive innovation, foster safety, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable methanol solutions in the maritime industry in Japan.

About City of Yokohama

The City of Yokohama, with a population of approx. 3.7 million, is the second-largest city in Japan. Following the end of the policy of seclusion in 1859, its was among the first cities to open for trade with the West. The Port of Yokohama is one of Japan's representative ports used for commercial, industrial and tourism functions. Various vessel/cargo types are handled here from container, automobile, and even cruise ships. It is located central and east Japan near Tokyo, the capital, facing the Pacific Ocean and has the largest container terminal with a depth of -18m in the country.

About Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC) is a Tokyo-based global chemical company founded in 1918. With over a century of expertise, MGC specializes in diverse chemical products across segments like Basic Chemicals, Petrochemicals, and Performance Products, serving industries such as automotive and electronics. Known for innovation and sustainability, MGC leads initiatives like "CarbopathTM," utilizing proprietary technologies to recycle CO2, waste plastics, biomass into methanol, contributing to environmental sustainability and the circular economy. Committed to societal well-being, MGC operates worldwide, striving to create value through innovative, sustainable practices and products.

About Maersk

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs over 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and green fuels. READ MORE

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Maersk makes further step to support methanol bunkering standards in Japan (Maersk)

Excerpt from Maersk: A.P.Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has taken a significant step towards supporting the development of methanol bunkering in Japan by co-hosting Japan’s first "methanol bunkering simulation" at the Port of Yokohama.

The Alette Maersk, Maersk’s fifth dual-fuel methanol vessel, christened in Los Angeles at the end of August, participated in the methanol bunkering simulation conducted by Kokuka Sangyo’s methanol tanker, Eikamaru. To lay the foundation for future methanol bunkering, the involved parties collaborated to test key operations, including berthing, unberthing, and hose connections.

Japan is currently in the process of developing methanol fuel bunkering guidelines. Insights gained from this initiative will serve as valuable references in establishing these guidelines and in developing methanol fuel supply infrastructure and processes in Japan.

Today’s bunkering simulation marks a significant development following Maersk’s Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical on the development of methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama. This initiative also receives support from additional stakeholders, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism’s Port and Harbor Bureau.

NAKAGAWA Kenzo, Director of the Industrial Port Policy Division at the Ports and Harbours Bureau, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in Japan's first methanol bunkering simulation.

The Ports and Harbors Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has announced plans to convene a study group to explore the development of methanol bunkering hubs in Japan. Establishing methanol bunkering hubs in our ports is vital, and we will accelerate discussions, leveraging the insights from this simulation.

NAKAGAWA Kenzo

Director of the Industrial Port Policy Division at the Ports and Harbours Bureau

Yasuhiro SHIMBO, Director General of the Port and Harbor Bureau in the City of Yokohama, expressed his appreciation to Maersk for facilitating the bunkering simulation on the “Alette Maersk”. He stressed that the port of Yokohama is dedicated to developing methanol bunkering capabilities and contributing to the decarbonisation of both Japanese and international maritime transport.

Masahiko Naito, Division Director of the C1 Chemicals Division, believes this is a big step towards implementing actual methanol bunkering and achieving carbon neutrality in Japan. He expressed excitement about today’s successful collaboration with multiple partners.

It is an honor to participate in the very first simulation of methanol bunkering in Japan. Maersk is committed to a decarbonised future, and it is our great pleasure to support Japan’s ambition in decarbonising the shipping and energy sectors. We look forward to collaborating with the broader industry and ecosystem in Japan to accelerate the adoption and development of lower - emission practices in this country.

Toru Nishiyama

Managing Director, Northeast Asia, Maersk.

About Maersk

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and low-emission fuels. READ MORE