Bremen ports are methanol ready, and have regulations for bunkering alternative marine fuels
Container ships and car carriers with LNG propulsion dock in Bremen’s ports, alongside conventional ocean liners powered by heavy fuel oil or marine diesel. However, the number of ships using methanol engines for propulsion is increasing.
“Experts believe in the medium term, methanol fuel is likely to gain a significant share and replace LNG as the number one alternative fuel,” a statement said.
“Bunkering LNG has been possible since 2015, and Bremen’s ports are now also methanol-ready,’ said Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation Kristina Vogt, adding, “With the regulations now clear, we are well positioned and Bremen also has the best structural prerequisites: there is already methanol-capable storage capacity on the Weser, bunker suppliers in Bremerhaven are looking into expanding, and several companies are involved in the production of green methanol. A lot is happening in this area – and Bremen is at the forefront.”
Reliable, safe bunkering of these fuels has been achieved with a clearly regulated procedure for authorising bunkering operations in the ports of Bremen.
“When bunkering fuels with a flash point below 55°C – including methanol and LNG, for example – a number of safety aspects must be taken into account. With the clear instructions we have now issued, shipowners and all other parties involved now know exactly how and when to do what to enable the smooth bunkering of alternative fuels,” emphasised port captain Stephan Berger.
Meanwhile, bremenports managing director Robert Howe said, “We are supporting and promoting the use of new low-carbon fuels in shipping – this is ultimately active climate protection. The aim must be to enable universal bunkering in our universal ports – regardless of whether methanol, LNG, ammonia or, in future, green hydrogen is pumped into the ship’s tanks. The fact that we already have clear process plans and regulations for LNG and methanol is a very good step in the right direction.”
