Shanghai Electric has achieved a major milestone in maritime decarbonization by successfully bunkering the container vessel CMA CGM OSMIUM with Chinese-produced biomethanol at Yangshan Port. This operation, conducted earlier this month, marks the first large-scale use of Chinese biomethanol by a global shipping operator.
The bunkering was coordinated over two days, from March 5 to 6, by Shanghai International Port Group, utilizing a simultaneous loading and fueling model that streamlined cargo handling and fuel supply. The CMA CGM OSMIUM, a next-generation dual-fuel container ship, was fueled with biomethanol produced by Shanghai Electric’s Taonan facility in Jilin Province.
The Taonan plant is China’s first large-scale commercial biomethanol facility, harnessing local wind, solar, and biomass resources. It employs proprietary technologies such as oxygen-blown biomass gasification and wind-powered hydrogen production, creating a fully integrated “green power–green hydrogen–green methanol” system.
The biomethanol meets international marine standards and holds the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU).
Compared to traditional coal-based methanol, biomethanol significantly reduces lifecycle carbon emissions, advancing the maritime industry’s sustainability goals. Initially producing 50,000 tons annually, Shanghai Electric plans to expand capacity further.
A company spokesperson highlighted the operation as a breakthrough for green hydrogen and next-generation fuels. Shanghai Electric aims to deepen collaboration with global shipping and port operators, strengthening its research and development in biomethanol technology.Â
The project demonstrates a comprehensive supply chain that supports the industry’s transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels, contributing to global efforts toward energy transition and carbon neutrality.
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