Bremen and Bremerhaven become “methanol-ready” with new bunkering guidance

The German ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven have rolled out new safety and operational guidelines for methanol bunkering.

PHOTO: Ships docked at the Port of Bremen in Germany. Bremenports

According to port manager Stephan Berger, clear regulatory guidelines are essential for safely bunkering low-flashpoint fuels like methanol and LNG, which have a flashpoint below 55°C.

The goal is to allow “universal bunkering” for alternative fuels “regardless of whether methanol, LNG, ammonia or, in the future, green hydrogen is pumped into the ship's tanks,” Robert Howe, the port’s managing director said.

Germany’s Port Minister Kristina Vogt emphasised that Bremen is already well-positioned for methanol bunkering. “There are already methanol-capable storage capacities on the Weser [river], bunker suppliers in Bremerhaven are examining the expansion, and several companies are involved in the production of green methanol,” she said.

"After bunkering LNG has been possible since 2015, Bremen's ports are now also methanol-ready," Vogt added.

By Konica Bhatt

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