Port of Klaipėda develops green methanol bunkering vessel concept

The Klaipėda Port Authority and its partners have developed a concept for a green methanol bunkering vessel. The project aims to prepare the Port of Klaipėda for growing demand for alternative marine fuels and the development of green shipping corridors across the Baltic Sea.

The proposed vessel would have a green methanol capacity of 800 tonnes and could supply up to 250,000 tonnes of green methanol annually.

The Klaipėda Port Authority explored cleaner shipping solutions with 14 international partners through the H2Deri@BSP project, which aims to accelerate the use of hydrogen-based fuels and support the transition towards zero-emission shipping. The port assessed future demand for green methanol, relevant regulations, potential customers, fuel supply chains and environmental benefits.

Algis Latakas, CEO of the Klaipėda Port Authority, said the energy transition is changing the maritime sector and creating demand for cleaner solutions. He said that as the alternative fuels market develops, ports will also need to adapt their infrastructure and services, adding that the port is preparing now so that, as green shipping corridors develop across the Baltic Sea, Klaipėda will be ready to meet market needs and remain competitive.

An analysis by Moffatt & Nichol Baltics found that the Baltic green methanol market remains at an early stage. However, ports offering alternative fuel bunkering services could become increasingly attractive to shipping lines. For Klaipėda, green methanol bunkering could generate additional revenue and expand the port’s service portfolio. The study also identified the potential to produce green methanol from green hydrogen, and the Port of Klaipėda already operates a green hydrogen production facility. Regional vessels, passenger ships, ferries and vessels supporting offshore wind farms could become important sources of demand for green methanol.

The project produced a technical specification and concept design for the proposed vessel, developed by Western Baltic Engineering, part of the Western Shipyard Group operating at the Port of Klaipėda. The vessel would support flexible operations in shallow waters and on local bunkering routes.

The green methanol-powered container ship Eco Umande, operated by Singapore-based X-Press Feeders, has called at the Port of Klaipėda since 2024. The Port of Klaipėda has also signed a cooperation agreement with several other ports to support the development of green methanol infrastructure.

Latakas concluded that green methanol bunkering has real potential both in Klaipėda and across the Baltic Sea region.