Los Angeles and Long Beach ports eye methanol bunkering

The twin California ports are assessing a pilot-scale methanol bunkering project to boost low-carbon shipping and lead on alternative marine fuels.

IMAGE: Aerial view of cargo containers in Long Beach port California. Getty Images.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, supported by C40 Cities and the consultancy ICF, have issued a Request for Information (RFI) to test the feasibility of methanol bunkering.

The pilot will evaluate safety, logistics, and regulatory compliance, while generating insights for wider adoption.

Globally, methanol adoption is accelerating, with ports such as Rotterdam, Singapore, and Shanghai already conducting bunkering operations, driven by growing vessel demand and expanding supply chain investments.

The global supply of green and low-carbon methanol is projected to exceed 50 million tons per year by 2030.

This initiative advances California’s Clean Air Action Plan and green shipping corridor goals, while helping to mitigate early-adopter risks and encourage infrastructure investment,” the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach said in a statement.

Vessel operators, fuel suppliers, and technology providers are invited to submit responses by 22 October to help shape a formal Request for Proposals.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online