A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between HAMR Energy, the Port of Melbourne, Maersk, ANL (a subsidiary of CMA-CGM), Svitzer, Stolthaven Terminals, and ABEL Energy to explore the commercial feasibility of establishing a green methanol bunkering hub at the Port of Melbourne.
The collaboration will examine a potential project involving the transportation of green methanol from production sites in Bell Bay, Tasmania (ABEL Energy) and Portland, Victoria (HAMR Energy) to Port of Melbourne for storage and bunkering services. The MoU provides a starting point for the parties to work together to explore the various elements of establishing a green methanol bunkering hub, and identify any challenges that would need to be addressed.
We’re driving the biggest ports reform program in decades through our Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy and this announcement complements our work to protect the future of our commercial ports
… said Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight
Together, Port of Melbourne, Maersk, ANL (a subsidiary of CMA-CGM), Svitzer, Stolthaven Terminals, HAMR Energy and ABEL Energy bring a wealth of expertise and experience in the shipping and energy industries, making them ideal partners for this initiative. According to Michael van Baarle, ABEL Energy CEO,ABEL Energy’s first Australian green hydrogen and methanol project will be built at the port of Bell Bay, using Tasmania’s renewable hydro and wind-based power supply.
Victoria has the most ambitious decarbonisation agenda in the country, and this announcement is another example of how we’re leading the development of renewable and alternative fuels
…said Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources
This MoU is one of many of the industry’s moves to turn towards methanol in order to reduce shipping emissions. Case in point, last week Proman Stena Bulk completed the first ever barge-to-ship methanol bunkering on the USA. According to DNV, a growing order book for methanol-fuelled ships shows that the shipping industry sees methanol as a promising alternative fuel.
As Australia’s largest container port with around 3,000 ships visiting annually, it makes sense that we look at ways to work together with customers, service providers and producers to understand the needs of the market
…said Saul Cannon, Port of Melbourne CEO
Driving Australia towards a greener future
As an island nation with high dependency on ocean transport, it’s vital that Australia takes a leadership role to enable the fuel transformation from fossil to green fuel
…said Therese Blank, Maersk Regional Head of Market, Oceania
Both Ivan Spanjic, Svitzer Global Head of Green Ports, and Shane Walden, ANL Managing Director, also highlighted that this is an excellent opportunity for driving Australia towards a greener future.
Furthermore, Ben Serong, Stolthaven Terminals General Manager, as well as David Stribley, HAMR Energy Director and Company Secretary, stated that by enabling alternative fuel use via methanol bunkering, this MoU marks one more step towards decarbonization.