POINT LISAS, Trinidad and Tobago, August 21, 2024—Methanex Corporation (Methanex) and its subsidiary, Waterfront Shipping, today marked another milestone in the global maritime industry by completing the first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering demonstration in the Caribbean. Conducted at the Port of Point Lisas in Trinidad and Tobago, this landmark demonstration was made possible through collaboration with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (National Energy), Paria Fuel Trading Company, NYK, Green Marine, Bunker Holding, Uni-Tankers and Dan Bunkering.  

The Seymour Sun—a methanol-powered vessel operated by Waterfront Shipping and owned by NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd.—participated in this demonstration as the first ship in the region to be methanol fueled via ship-to-ship bunkering. “Methanex and Waterfront Shipping have been at the forefront of developing methanol as a marine fuel since 2013,” said Paul Hexter, President of Waterfront Shipping. “Methanol is safe to ship, store, handle and bunker using procedures similar to conventional fuels. Today’s demonstration in Trinidad and Tobago is another step in supporting the shipping industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels.” 

The demonstration was conducted using the Alsia Swan, a vessel operated by Uni-Tankers, at the National Energy Corporation’s terminal within the Port of Point Lisas. This port, strategically located and known as the “Gateway to the Americas,” operates 24/7 and serves containerized cargo from the U.S., Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Far East. 

“This bunkering demonstration is a defining moment for the longstanding partnership between National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited and Methanex,” said Dr. Vernon Paltoo, President of National Energy. “By successfully conducting the first methanol ship-to-ship bunkering demonstration in the region, we have proven that our world-class maritime infrastructure is fully capable of supporting the energy transition. This demonstration positions Trinidad and Tobago as a key player in decarbonizing the maritime sector and establishes Point Lisas as a preferred destination for future methanol refueling operations.” 

The successful bunkering demonstration further proves methanol is a safe and simple-to-handle cleaner fuel that provides a future-proof pathway to a low-carbon future. Methanol complies with MARPOL Annex VI regulations reducing Sulfur Oxide (SOx) emissions, particulate matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. 

“Paria Fuel takes pride in being the leader in regional bunkering,” said Mushtaq Mohammed, General Manager of Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd. “Our involvement in this demonstration signals our readiness to support the shift to alternative bunker fuels in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region.” 

Methanex remains committed to its leadership in the use of lower-emission methanol as a marine fuel. Since 2016, Waterfront Shipping has been operating methanol dual-fuel ships, accumulating over 200,000 operating hours. Today, 19 of its vessels—more than 60% of its fleet—are dual-fuel, underscoring its critical role in proving this technology for the wider shipping industry.