EUKOR Car Carriers, SIPG Energy and World Fuel have completed the first biomethanol bunkering for M/V Arctic Tern, the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), at the Port of Shanghai.

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 tonnes of biomethanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan. The bunkering took place at Haitong Terminal in the Waigaoqiao port area, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously — an arrangement known as simultaneous operations (SIMOPS). According to Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, this constitutes a new record for the largest single SIMOPS green methanol bunkering operation for PCTCs in China.

The delivery also marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first biomethanol bunkering and the first time Arctic Tern has taken on methanol fuel since her delivery on 9 July. Additionally, it is said to be the first bunkering at the Port of Shanghai of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator.

The biomethanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, holds ISCC-EU certification, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO2e/MJ. World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, with SIPG Energy acting as the physical supplier at the port.

Arctic Tern is the first of 14 Shaper Class vessels on order by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel is operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, which is jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Arctic Tern entered service following her handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing and will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, stated: "Completing Arctic Tern's first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonization ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale."

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said: "The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy's proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine."

World Fuel added that the operation demonstrated Shanghai’s integrated green methanol value chain — spanning local production, storage and bunkering — and that it had established a replicable model for green methanol supply at the port.

SIPG Energy, established in November 2023, is the integrated energy arm of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., and operates a bunkering fleet that includes the LNG bunkering vessel Hai Gang Wei Lai and its dedicated methanol bunkering vessel Hai Gang Zhi Yuan. World Fuel is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and provides marine, aviation and ground-based transportation fuels through its supply and logistics network. EUKOR Car Carriers, established in 2002, operates around 127 vessels serving 15 trade routes.