The Port of Melbourne, Maersk, ANL (a subsidiary of CMA-CGM), Svitzer, Stolthaven Terminals, HAMR Energy, and ABEL Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate the commercial potential of building a green methanol bunkering centre at the Port of Melbourne.

The collaboration 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.

“Victoria has the most ambitious decarbonisation agenda in the country, and this announcement is another example of how we’re leading the development of renewable and alternative fuels,” stated Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources in Australia.

The MoU serves as a beginning point for the parties to collaborate in exploring the different aspects of building a green methanol bunkering centre, as well as identifying any problems that must be solved.

“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,” said Saul Cannon, CEO of Port of Melbourne.