VENEX plans Guangdong green methanol plant eyeing bunker demand

Towngas has announced that its green methanol joint venture, VENEX, will establish a 200,000 mt/year production facility in Guangdong province, China. Located at the Foshan (Sanshui) New Materials Industrial Park, this strategic project aims to meet the surging demand for sustainable bunker fuel in Hong Kong. As the global shipping industry pivots toward decarbonization, this facility represents a critical infrastructure development for vessels transitioning to methanol-fueled propulsion systems, ensuring a reliable supply chain for the maritime sector in the Pearl River Delta.

This development aligns with the IMO’s 2023 Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, which mandates a significant shift toward low-carbon fuels. Under MARPOL Annex VI, which governs air pollution and energy efficiency, the adoption of green methanol is essential for vessels to comply with the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements. Classification societies are currently updating technical standards for methanol bunkering operations to ensure safety, as outlined in the IGF Code, which provides international regulations for ships using low-flashpoint fuels to mitigate fire and explosion risks.

Chief engineers and second engineers must prepare for the operational shift toward methanol-fueled engines, specifically regarding fuel management systems and bunkering protocols. These officers need to familiarize themselves with updated safety management systems and the specific technical requirements for handling low-flashpoint fuels under the IGF Code. Understanding the chemical properties of green methanol and its energy density compared to traditional VLSFO is essential for maintaining optimal engine performance and ensuring full regulatory compliance during port calls.