Methanex and Waterfront Shipping Finalizes Methanol Bunkering in Trinidad and Tobago

Methanex Corporation, along with its subsidiary Waterfront Shipping, achieved a significant milestone in the global maritime industry by successfully completing the first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering demonstration in the Caribbean. This historic event took place at the Port of Point Lisas in Trinidad and Tobago, made possible through collaboration with key partners including the Paria Fuel Trading Company, Uni-Tankers, National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (National Energy), NYK, Green Marine, Bunker Holding, and Dan Bunkering.

Waterfront Shipping's methanol-powered vessel, The Seymour Sun, made history as the first ship in the region to be fueled with methanol through ship-to-ship bunkering. The vessel, owned by NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd., demonstrates a significant step towards decarbonizing maritime transportation. Paul Hexter, President of Waterfront Shipping, emphasized that Methanex and Waterfront Shipping have been pioneers in promoting methanol as a marine fuel since 2013He emphasized that methanol is a viable alternative for shipping, storage, handling, and bunkering, noting that its protocols closely resemble those of traditional fuels. The demonstration in Trinidad and Tobago represents another critical step in advancing the shipping industry's transition to lower-emission fuels.

The demonstration was executed using the Alsia Swan, a vessel operated by Uni-Tankers, at the National Energy Corporation’s terminal within the strategically located Port of Point Lisas, known as the "Gateway to the Americas." This port operates 24/7 and facilitates containerized cargo from regions including the U.S., Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Far East.

Dr. Vernon Paltoo, President of National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, highlighted the significance of the recent methanol bunkering demonstration, marking a pivotal achievement in the long-standing collaboration with Methanex. By successfully executing the region's first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering, they have demonstrated the capability of Trinidad and Tobago’s top-tier maritime infrastructure to support the global energy transition. This positions the country as a crucial player in decarbonizing the maritime industry and solidifies Point Lisas as a key hub for future methanol refueling operations.

The successful bunkering demonstration underscores methanol's viability as a safe, easily managed, and environmentally friendly marine fuel, positioning it as a key component in the transition to a low-carbon future. Methanol meets the stringent requirements of MARPOL Annex VI regulations, significantly reducing harmful emissions, including Sulfur Oxide (SOx), particulate matter (PM), and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx).

Mushtaq Mohammed, General Manager of Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd., expressed pride in Paria Fuel's leadership in regional bunkering. He emphasized that their participation in the demonstration underscores their commitment to supporting the transition to alternative bunker fuels, both in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the region.