SHANGHAI's Yangshan port started the new year with the vessel Haigang Zhiyuan successfully completing a 3,000-tonne methanol bunkering operation for the Anne Maersk on January 1.

It marked the first such operation of 2025 and signalled the start of regular methanol bunkering at the port, reports India's Maritime Gateway.

Methanol, with its low emissions, is becoming a key alternative marine fuel.

The Haigang Zhiyuan, the first methanol bunkering vessel at Shanghai Port, features 12 cargo tanks with a total capacity of 16,000 cubic metres. It enables ship-to-ship bunkering while supporting container operations, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

The Yangshan Port MSA put in place extensive safety protocols and emergency procedures to guarantee safe operations.

They worked closely with shipping companies, port operators, and pilot stations, keeping a careful eye on the entire process.

There will be two more methanol operations in January after this successful bunkering.