The Port of Klaipėda has developed a green methanol bunkering vessel concept as it prepares for growing demand for alternative marine fuels.
The proposed vessel would have capacity for 800 tonnes of green methanol. It could supply up to 250,000 tonnes of the fuel per year.
The concept is part of Klaipėda’s plans to prepare its infrastructure for cleaner shipping.
Klaipėda studies green methanol demand
The Klaipėda Port Authority assessed the potential for green methanol bunkering through the H2Deri@BSP project.
The project brings together the Port Authority and 14 international partners. It focuses on hydrogen-based fuels and zero-emission shipping.
The study examined future demand for green methanol. It also looked at regulations, potential customers, supply chains and environmental benefits.
Moffatt & Nichol Baltics carried out an analysis as part of the project.
It found that the Baltic green methanol market is still at an early stage. However, ports offering alternative fuels could become more attractive to shipping lines as demand grows.
Bunkering vessel could supply 250,000 tonnes per year
The project also produced a technical specification and concept design for a dedicated bunkering vessel.
Western Baltic Engineering, part of the Western Shipyard Group, developed the concept.
The vessel is designed for shallow waters and local bunkering operations.
It would carry up to 800 tonnes of green methanol and could supply as much as 250,000 tonnes annually.
Port prepares for alternative fuels
Klaipėda already operates a green hydrogen production facility. The study identified the potential to use green hydrogen for future methanol production.
The Port Authority expects demand for green methanol to come from several vessel types. These include regional ships, ferries, passenger vessels and ships supporting offshore wind farms.
“The energy transition is changing the maritime sector and creating demand for cleaner solutions,” said Algis Latakas, CEO of the Klaipėda Port Authority.
He said the port wants to be prepared as green shipping corridors develop across the Baltic Sea.
Methanol-powered containership already calls at Klaipėda
Klaipėda already receives a methanol-powered containership.
X-Press Feeders’ Eco Umande has been calling at the Lithuanian port since 2024.
Klaipėda has also signed a cooperation agreement with other ports to support the development of green methanol infrastructure.
The Port Authority believes bunkering services could create a new business area while strengthening Klaipėda’s position in the Baltic shipping market.
