Ulsan Port completes Korea’s first green methanol bunkering for bulk carrier

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) has carried out Korea’s first methanol bunkering for a dual-fuel bulk carrier, marking a new step in the country’s alternative marine fuel adoption. The operation took place on September 28 at Ulsan Port.

The development follows Ulsan Port’s earlier methanol bunkering demonstrations for container ships in 2023 and 2024. With this latest operation, Ulsan has extended its experience from container ships to bulk carriers.

The bunkering was performed for Green Future, a methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd., a subsidiary of NYK Group, from Kambara Kisen Co., Ltd. The green methanol, produced by OCI Global, was supplied by ITOCHU Corporation, stored at the OTK Terminal, and delivered through ship-to-ship transfer.

The operation was conducted at Ulsan New Port’s Southern Breakwater T/S Pier, representing Korea’s first green methanol ship-to-ship bunkering for a dry bulk carrier.

UPA President Jae-young Byeon said, “This bunkering operation is a milestone that demonstrates Ulsan Port’s capability to deliver commercial-scale green methanol bunkering.” He added, “Building on this achievement, we are committed to spearheading sustainable marine fuel bunkering as a trusted global hub.”