The Port of Long Beach in the United States has announced a $1 million reward for the vessel operator that carries out the first full-scale methanol bunkering operation at the port.
The initiative, called the Clean Fuel Bunkering Challenge Incentive Award, is aimed at accelerating the use of methanol fuel in maritime transport.
Currently, around 400 dual-fuel vessels capable of operating on methanol are in service worldwide. However, due to the limited availability of “green” methanol, most of them still rely on conventional bunker fuel.
The use of methanol fuel not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also contributes to improved air quality. Compared to traditional fuels, methanol can reduce particulate emissions by 95 percent, sulfur oxides by 99 percent, and nitrogen oxides by 60 percent.
In addition to supporting the development of alternative fuel infrastructure, the initiative aims to position the Port of Long Beach as one of the leading clean bunkering hubs.
