First Ship-to-Ship Methanol Bunkering Completed in Trinidad and Tobago

Waterfront Shipping, a subsidiary of Methanex Corporation, recently completed its first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering demonstration in the Caribbean at the Port of Point Lisas in Trinidad and Tobago. This milestone was achieved in partnership with various organizations including the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, Paria Fuel Trading Company, NYK, Green Marine, Bunker Holding, Uni-Tankers, and Dan Bunkering. Methanex Corporation highlighted that this demonstration further proves methanol as a safe and simple-to-handle cleaner fuel, offering a pathway to a low-carbon future.

The successful bunkering in Trinidad and Tobago not only positions the country as a key player in decarbonizing the maritime sector but also establishes Point Lisas as a preferred destination for future methanol refueling operations. According to Waterfront Shipping President Paul Hexter, this demonstration supports the shipping industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels. Additionally, Vernon Paltoo, President of the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, emphasized the region’s capability in supporting the energy transition through world-class maritime infrastructure.

Methanol, as a cleaner-burning marine fuel, presents a pathway to decarbonization with further innovations in bio-methanol offering solutions for achieving climate neutrality. It meets stringent pollutant emissions regulations set by the IMO, significantly reducing harmful emissions compared to heavy fuel oil. Methanex highlighted that methanol is readily available at over 125 of the world’s largest ports, aiding the shipping industry in meeting strict air emissions regulations. In 2023, the Cajun Sun, operated by Waterfront Shipping and chartered from MOL, completed the first-ever net-zero voyage fueled by bio-methanol, showcasing the viability of methanol as a marine fuel for achieving net-zero emissions.

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