APM Terminals Japan to join growing network offering green methanol bunkering

The City of Yokohama, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) and Maersk have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of green methanol bunkering infrastructure at the Port of Yokohama, Japan, the location of APM Terminals’ Minami-Honmoku container terminal. 

The Minami-Honmoku container terminal offers the deepest water berth in Japan with a total length of 1,600 m and a draft of 18m.  It is the only terminal in Japan capable of handling vessels of over 14,000 TEU with capabilities up to 24,000 TEU. 

Equipped with state-of-the-art STS cranes with a maximum outreach of 24 rows, the terminal covers a total area of 854,000 m2 and has an annual handling capacity of approximately 2.4 million TEU, which is unprecedented in Japan. The terminal has the option of increasing handling capacity through expansion onto neighbouring land.

"Minami-Honmoku is the most advanced container terminal in Japan and was developed under a national strategy aiming for international competitiveness," commented Managing Director, Sakura Kuma. "I am sure that decarbonisation will naturally become a core part of the future competitiveness, and I am thrilled to play a role in assisting both Maersk and City of Yokohama on this green methanol bunkering initiative, which is lightening our path toward net zero in 2040."

Net-Zero Emissions

APM Terminals has made an industry-leading commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Yokohama is at the forefront of developing Japan's green shipping corridors and this latest agreement supports Maersk’s growing fleet of 16,000 TEU green methanol-powered container vessels.

It will equip 25 container vessels with dual-fuel engines capable of sailing on green methanol. The successful implementation of this initiative heavily relies on the establishment of port bunkering infrastructure for methanol worldwide.

“Yokohama Port has proudly held the record for the highest number of foreign vessels calls in Japan for around 60 years, underscoring its critical role in maritime transportation where 'fuel supply and bunkering for vessels' holds significant importance,” commented Dr. Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama.

Promoting Green Methanol

“Moving forward, the three parties involved will collaborate to promote the use of green methanol in accordance with the memorandum. Yokohama aims to spearhead the development of Japan's green shipping corridors while also aiming to explore and invite more like-minded future partners to join the initiative.”

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has been a trailblazer in methanol production in Japan since 1952, establishing itself as the largest supplier with a contribution of over 50% of the country's methanol supply. Leveraging its extensive methanol production technology, it will continue to drive sustainable solutions and resource efficiency in the country.

“We believe that the establishment of methanol as a ship fuel supply base in Japan is an important initiative that will contribute to international maritime transport and carbon neutrality of Japan,” said Masashi Fujii, President of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical. “

The collaboration will focus on examining operational feasibility and developing port facilities required for green methanol bunkering at the Port of Yokohama. Through joint efforts, the partners seek to drive innovation, foster safety, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable methanol solutions in the maritime industry in Japan.

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About City of Yokohama

The City of Yokohama, with a population of approx. 3.7 million, is the second-largest city in Japan. Following the end of the policy of seclusion in 1859, its was among the first cities to open for trade with the West. The Port of Yokohama is one of Japan's representative ports used for commercial, industrial and tourism functions. Various vessel/cargo types are handled here from container, automobile, and even cruise ships. It is located central and east Japan near Tokyo, the capital, facing the Pacific Ocean and has the largest container terminal with a depth of -18m in the country.

About Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC) is a Tokyo-based global chemical company founded in 1918. With over a century of expertise, MGC specializes in diverse chemical products across segments like Basic Chemicals, Petrochemicals, and Performance Products, serving industries such as automotive and electronics. Known for innovation and sustainability, MGC leads initiatives like "CarbopathTM," utilizing proprietary technologies to recycle CO2, waste plastics, biomass into methanol, contributing to environmental sustainability and the circular economy. Committed to societal well-being, MGC operates worldwide, striving to create value through innovative, sustainable practices and products.

About Maersk

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs over 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and green fuels.