Titan Clean Fuels (Titan) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) have completed the first LNG and liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) bunkering operation as part of a new multi-delivery contract for MOL’s vehicle carrier fleet.
On 16 March, Titan’s LNG bunkering vessel, Alice Cosulich, supplied 500 tons of bio-LNG and 400 tons of conventional LNG to MOL’s vehicle carrier Celeste Ace. The simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) took place at the International Car Operators (ICO) terminal in the Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium.
This ISCC-EU-certified mass-balanced bio-LNG delivery is the first of several planned for MOL. Produced from waste and residue, bio-LNG can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 100% on a well-to-wake basis compared to marine diesel. The ability to blend LNG, bio-LNG, and renewable hydrogen-derived e-methane at any ratio ensures compatibility with existing LNG bunkering infrastructure with minimal modifications.
Caspar Gooren, Commercial Director of Renewable Fuels at Titan, commented: “This bunkering highlights the growing role of bio-LNG in decarbonizing international shipping today. With bio-LNG availability expanding, its deep decarbonization potential, and increasing commercial viability, the LNG pathway offers practical solutions for shipowners and operators. Moreover, with a global maritime leader like MOL putting its commercial weight behind bio-LNG, this is an exciting time for the clean fuels transition.”
The growing number of vessels capable of running on LNG, bio-LNG, and future e-methane highlights the LNG pathway’s crucial role in shipping’s decarbonization. MOL currently operates five LNG-fueled vehicle carriers, with six more set for delivery by mid-2025.
Across the industry, 62 LNG-powered vehicle carriers are in operation today, with an additional 146 on order. Notably, 90% of new vehicle carrier orders feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion.
Yoshikazu Urushitani, Marine Fuel GX Division General Manager at MOL, stated: “We are exploring the use of ammonia and hydrogen fuels as part of our strategy to adopt clean alternative fuels, while moving to expand the use of LNG-fueled vessels and more quickly achieve low-carbon society. We will also be early adopters of bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. Partnering with Titan, we will start using bio-LNG to lead the shipping industry in the transition to clean alternative fuels. We remain committed to adopting clean fuels to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050.”
