May 16, 2023 [Stolt-Nielsen]- Stolthaven Terminals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Australia to explore the commercial feasibility of establishing a green methanol bunkering hub at Port of Melbourne in Victoria.

The MoU, led by Port of Melbourne, also includes Maersk, ANL (a subsidiary of CMA-CGM), Svitzer, HAMR Energy and ABEL Energy. Together, the companies will examine a potential project involving the transportation of green methanol from production sites in Bell Bay, Tasmania (ABEL Energy) and Portland, Victoria (HAMR Energy) to Port of Melbourne for storage and bunkering services.

The MoU provides a starting point for the parties to work together to explore the various elements of establishing a green methanol bunkering hub and identify any challenges that would need to be addressed.

“Stolthaven Terminals is pleased to support this project – as well as many others worldwide – that enable the transition to greener energy alternatives,” said Ben Serong, General Manager of Stolthaven Terminals in Australia. “The scope of activities involved under this MoU will evolve as the collaboration progresses and the parties develop a clearer understanding of how our respective expertise can be combined on this potential project.”

Port of Melbourne CEO, Saul Cannon, said: “Decarbonisation of the maritime industry is really gaining pace. As Australia’s largest container port with around 3,000 ships visiting annually, it makes sense that we look at ways to work together with customers, service providers and producers to understand the needs of the market.”

Stolthaven Terminals is currently involved in a number of projects to provide storage solutions for hydrogen, ammonia and green methanol, including its new joint-venture terminal in Taiwan, a potential ammonia import facility at the Advario Stolthaven Antwerp terminal in partnership with Fluxys, and a potential project in partnership with the Pecem Industrial and Port Complex in Brazil to develop a terminal focused on storing and handling green hydrogen and associated products such as ammonia.

President of Stolthaven Terminals, Guy Bessant, said: “Stolthaven Terminals is constantly evaluating projects and opportunities linked to the greener-energy transition for both the shipping and storage industries.

“Progress is being made to reduce the carbon footprint of the shipping industry, but to make a significant impact we must fully explore the potential of alternative fuels such as green methanol – as well as biofuels, ammonia and hydrogen – and this MoU supports that need.”

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