Titan completes first bunkering to MOL under new term contract

Titan Clean Fuels and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) have successfully executed their first bunkering operation involving liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) as part of a new multi-delivery contract for MOL’s vehicle carrier fleet. The operation took place on March 16 at the Port of Zeebrugge, where Titan’s Alice Cosulich vessel delivered 500 tons of bio-LNG and 400 tons of conventional LNG to the Celeste Ace vehicle carrier. This marks a significant step towards cleaner shipping practices.

Significance of Bio-LNG in Shipping

The delivery of ISCC-EU-certified mass-balanced bio-LNG represents the beginning of a series of planned bio-LNG deliveries to MOL. This bio-LNG is produced from waste and residues, offering a remarkable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—up to 100% lower compared to traditional marine diesel on a well-to-wake basis. The flexibility of LNG, bio-LNG, and renewable hydrogen-derived e-methane allows for blending at various ratios, making it easy to integrate into existing LNG bunkering infrastructure with minimal modifications.

Nicolas Ganas, Senior Trader and Business Development Manager at Titan, expressed enthusiasm for MOL’s commitment to adopting LNG and bio-LNG as marine fuels. He emphasized that this partnership not only strengthens their collaboration in the region but also contributes to the broader shift towards sustainable shipping solutions. “We look forward to reliably supplying their vessels with lower-carbon fuel options,” Ganas stated.

Caspar Gooren, Commercial Director of Renewable Fuels at Titan, highlighted the growing importance of bio-LNG in the decarbonization of international shipping. He noted that as the availability of bio-LNG increases, so does its potential for deep decarbonization, making it a commercially viable option for shipowners and operators. With MOL’s significant backing, the transition to clean fuels is gaining momentum.

MOL’s Commitment to Clean Fuels

Yoshikazu Urushitani, Marine Fuel GX Division General Manager at MOL, outlined the company’s strategy to explore ammonia and hydrogen fuels while expanding the use of LNG-fueled vessels. He reiterated MOL’s commitment to adopting clean alternative fuels, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. “Partnering with Titan, we will start using bio-LNG to lead the shipping industry in the transition to clean fuels,” Urushitani remarked.

The increasing number of vessels capable of using LNG, bio-LNG, and future e-methane underscores the critical role of the LNG pathway in the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts. Currently, MOL operates five LNG-fueled vehicle carriers, with six more expected to be delivered by mid-2025. In total, there are 62 vehicle carriers that can operate on LNG today, with an additional 146 LNG-fueled vessels on order, indicating that approximately 90% of new vehicle carrier orders feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion.

This initiative by Titan and MOL marks a pivotal moment in the maritime sector’s journey towards sustainability, showcasing the potential of bio-LNG as a viable alternative fuel.