Kokuryu Maru completes first biomethanol bunkering

Chemical tanker Kokuryu Maru has completed its first bunkering operation using biomethanol, providing an operational example of alternative fuel use in the chemical tanker segment.

The vessel was supplied with domestically produced biomethanol sourced through a mass balance approach. Under this system, renewable material can be attributed to fuel supplied through existing production and distribution infrastructure, allowing alternative fuels to be integrated without requiring an entirely separate physical supply chain.

Methanol-fuelled tanker demonstrates biomethanol use

Kokuryu Maru is a 1,223 DWT chemical tanker designed to operate on methanol and is also equipped to serve as a bunkering vessel. Its dual role provides an operational setting for demonstrating the use of biomethanol in commercial maritime operations.

The first biomethanol bunkering also highlights the growing relevance of fuel sourcing and supply-chain arrangements as shipping companies assess lower-carbon alternatives to conventional marine fuels.

Methanol availability remains key for fleet adoption

The operation is relevant to vessel operators developing fleets capable of using methanol as ports and fuel suppliers expand alternative-fuel infrastructure.

For operators, wider methanol adoption will require consideration of factors including fuel availability, pricing, bunkering locations and vessel-specific operational requirements. The development of biomethanol supply chains could provide an additional pathway for reducing the carbon intensity of methanol-fuelled vessels.

The successful bunkering of Kokuryu Maru demonstrates the application of biomethanol within an existing commercial vessel operation and points to the continued development of methanol supply infrastructure for maritime use.