You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence Asia/Pacific News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features Asia / Pacific Japanese Chemical Tanker Completes First Methanol Bunkering Japanese Chemical Tanker Completes First Methanol Bunkering by Ship & Bunker News Team Monday September 28, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The vessel bunkered bio-methanol at September 24. Image Credit: MGC A Japanese chemical tanker has completed its first methanol bunkering, using domestically produced bio-methanol as part of efforts to cut emissions from domestic shipping. The 498 GT vessel, Kokuryu Maru , is operated by Kokuka Sangyo and chartered by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) , MGC said in an announcement on Friday . The vessel is expected to primarily transport methanol domestically while also serving as a methanol bunkering vessel. Built by Koa Sangyo, the vessel is equipped with a methanol-fuelled main engine manufactured by Hanshin Diesel Works . It is Kokuka Sangyo’s first dedicated methanol-fuelled vessel. The first bunkering took place at Kinoe Port on September 24 , with the fuel supplied including bio-methanol produced at MGC’s Niigata Plant . The bio-methanol will be used as fuel during the vessel’s operations. MGC said using methanol is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 17.5% compared with conventional heavy fuel oil. The project was selected under a Japanese government programme supporting LNG and methanol fuel systems in the maritime sector. Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email protected] Also in the News Seafarer Welfare: Industry Can Back the IMO but Governments Need to Act, Says IBIA's Hughes A five-year review finds welfare gains have not reached most crew