China: Chimbusco releases methanol bunkering code of practice draft to industry

China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co., Ltd. (Chimbusco) released the first draft of Code of Practice for Marine Methanol Bunkering on the China National Institute of Standardisation website for feedback from the bunkering industry, according to the firm on Tuesday (21 March). 

The draft outlines a comprehensive guide for methanol bunkering operations, safety procedures, and streamlining, standardising and tabulating the risk assessment of bunkering.

The firm worked with several stakeholders since November 2022 to outline the regulations including Shanghai Maritime University, Methanol Institute (Singapore) Beijing Representative Office, China Waterborne Transport Research Institute, China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers Co., Ltd.., Ltd., China Standard Inspection Co., Ltd., and Methanex Corporation.

“The release of the draft for suggestions is a substantial progress in the progress of China’s green methanol refuelling capabilities. After the draft has been finalised after receiving feedback, it will become the first guiding standard document for methanol refuelling operations in China and lay a good foundation for the ship-to-ship bunkering of methanol bunker fuel for ships in China ports,” Chimbusco said. 

Chris Chatterton, Chief Operating Officer, Methanol Institute, said: “We see this as a significant work in progressing methanol bunkering, availability and support for evolving green corridors.”

“China maintains seven of the top 10 ports globally, with many voyages originating from China, where the production of carbon neutral methanol is rapidly developing. As such, these guidelines, developed together with key partners, will potentially provide much wider benefits for Asian ports and beyond.”

Note: The full draft Methanol Bunkering Regulations (Group Standard) can be found here. 

Photo credit: Chimbusco
Published: 20 April, 2023