The first large methanol-powered deep-sea vessel, named 'Ane Maersk', made its inaugural call at the Antwerp port, docking at the MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET).
During its port stay, the vessel underwent its first bunker operation in European waters, receiving 4,300 tons of green methanol and 1,375 tons of biodiesel (B100). This successful bunkering operation signifies a significant milestone in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges' endeavour to transform into a multifuel port.
“As the fifth largest bunkering port in the world, we are committed to playing a pioneering role in the integration of climate-neutral fuels to the bunker market. Port of Antwerp-Bruges will provide facilities where possible, make both platforms multifuel ready and is itself committed to making its fleet greener by using alternative fuels,” commented Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The arrival of 'Ane Maersk' in Antwerp is part of its maiden voyage from South Korea to China, where it is powered by green methanol. Constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, the vessel boasts a nominal capacity of 16,000 TEUs and is equipped with a dual-fuel engine, enabling it to operate on methanol, biodiesel, and conventional bunker fuel. 'Ane Maersk' is the first of Maersk's 18 large methanol-enabled vessels scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025, making it the world's second methanol-enabled container vessel.
Emma Mazhari, Head of Energy Markets of A.P. Moller – Maersk, stated, “ We are excited to partner with Port of Antwerp-Bruges on the maiden voyage of Ane Maersk. This is an important step in our efforts to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. We value all our partners which contributes to the decarbonisation of shipping and logistics, and we are pleased to see both the green fuel and bunkering infrastructure making promising development."
Moreover, the bunkering process at the MPET terminal was carried out safely and efficiently during terminal operations. TankMatch coordinated the transfer of 4,300 tons of green methanol onto 'Ane Maersk' using two barges, while VT Group delivered 1,375 tons of biodiesel (B100) via another barge.
In addition, this bunkering operation was seamlessly integrated into the vessel's port activities, allowing bunkering to occur simultaneously with cargo loading and unloading, thereby enhancing port stay efficiency through 'simultaneous operations' (SIMOPS). This achievement highlights the exceptional collaboration among various stakeholders involved.
For the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, this milestone signifies progress toward its ambition of becoming a multifuel port, offering a diverse range of climate-neutral fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methane, and methanol for bunkering, alongside existing bio- and conventional bunker fuels. Since June 2023, the port has facilitated methanol bunkering operations, with 475 metric tonnes (mT) bunkered onto the tanker Stena Pro Marine.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges already possesses infrastructure to store climate-neutral fuels for industrial and hinterland distribution purposes. As part of its efforts to enable the bunkering of climate-neutral fuels at both its platforms, the port has conducted comprehensive risk assessments for all fuel types, established safety protocols, and is implementing a licensing system for bunker operators to ensure the highest standards within its bunkering ecosystem.
