Xiamen Port in China has successfully completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) green methanol bunkering operation, supplying 1,005 tonnes of the alternative marine fuel to OOCL WISDOM, a 24,168-TEU methanol dual-fuel container vessel. The operation, conducted on 4 November 2026 at Xiamen Yuanhai Container Terminal, marks the first green methanol STS bunkering operation in Fujian province.
According to COSCO SHIPPING, the bunkering operation is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,600 tonnes compared with conventional marine fuels, highlighting the environmental benefits of adopting alternative fuels in international shipping.
OOCL WISDOM is the first of seven methanol dual-fuel container vessels being introduced into the OOCL fleet. The vessel operates on the carrier’s Asia–North Europe Loop 1 (LL1) service and had previously completed its first green methanol bunkering at Qingdao Port in July 2026, ahead of its maiden commercial voyage to Europe.
The latest operation represents an important milestone for Xiamen Port, demonstrating its ability to supply green methanol through ship-to-ship transfers and support the growing requirements of vessels powered by alternative fuels.
With this development, Xiamen expands its alternative marine fuel bunkering portfolio, which already includes liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels. Green methanol can potentially reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by more than 85% compared with conventional marine fuels, depending on its production pathway.
The development comes amid the shipping industry’s accelerating transition towards lower-carbon operations, with major carriers increasingly investing in methanol dual-fuel vessels and alternative fuel infrastructure.
COSCO SHIPPING said it would continue developing green marine fuel bunkering services across its port operations, shipping and fuel supply activities. Meanwhile, local port authorities are working to strengthen operational standards and safety procedures to facilitate the expansion of green methanol bunkering from initial operations to regular commercial services.