Australia's Port of Melbourne has taken a bold step in the global push towards sustainable energy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Maersk, ANL, Svitzer, Stolthaven Terminals, HAMR Energy, and ABEL Energy to explore the commercial feasibility of establishing a green methanol bunkering hub at the port.
As the largest container port in Australia, Port of Melbourne is at the forefront of the country's drive towards decarbonizing the maritime industry. With around 3,000 ships visiting annually, it is essential to work closely with customers, service providers, and producers to understand the market's needs as the transition from fossil fuels to green energy sources gathers pace.
The collaboration aims to transport green methanol from production sites in Bell Bay, Tasmania, and Portland, Victoria, to the Port of Melbourne for storage and bunkering services. This ambitious project is a significant milestone for the Australian shipping industry, and it represents a considerable shift away from traditional fuels towards more sustainable alternatives.
Maersk, one of the world's leading shipping companies, has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by at least 60% by 2030 and become carbon-neutral by 2050. The company's involvement in this project is a testament to its commitment to sustainable energy and its desire to lead the way in the shipping industry's decarbonization.
Maersk is also preparing to launch its first green methanol-powered containership later this year, a 2,100 TEU feeder vessel that will be the first of eighteen larger containerships to be powered by green methanol. My Therese Blank, Maersk's Regional Head of Market for Oceania, believes that as an island nation with high dependence on ocean transport, Australia must take a leadership role in enabling the fuel transformation from fossil fuels to green energy sources.
ANL, a subsidiary of CMA CGM, also supports the exploration of a green methanol bunkering hub. According to Shane Walden, ANL's Managing Director, alternative energies are key to reducing carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, and the exploration of a green methanol bunkering hub is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed by Port of Melbourne and its partners will serve as a starting point for the parties to work together and identify any challenges that need to be addressed.
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