World Fuel Services, in collaboration with West Coast Clean Fuels, has established a methanol bunkering capability available to vessel owners and operators across US ports.
The two companies have successfully completed an over-the-water methanol bunker fuel delivery in South Florida, considered to demonstrate a safe, scalable, and regulatory-compliant solution ready for deployment nationwide.
Shipowners and operators evaluating methanol as a marine fuel now have access to a fully operational bunkering capability backed by US Coast Guard-approved procedures, trained personnel, and purpose-built equipment. West Coast Clean Fuels is currently the only operator in the US whose truck-to-ship methanol bunkering procedures have been approved by US Coast Guard, and its infrastructure is designed for rapid deployment to additional ports on demand.
The capability is the result of a long period of preparation, including comprehensive risk assessments, development of operational and emergency response procedures, equipment procurement, and personnel training – all developed in coordination with the US Coast Guard to meet safety and regulatory standards. Recent regulatory guidance has incorporated elements of this work, reflecting how the operational approach developed by West Coast Clean Fuels and World Fuel has helped inform evolving standards.
Matt Campbell, Technical Manager, West Coast Clean Fuels, said: “Our procedures didn’t just meet regulatory requirements – they helped shape them. The US Coast Guard’s recent guidance reflects the operation we’ve developed. Bringing that collaborative work to life with World Fuel is exactly the kind of milestone that demonstrates we are ready to deliver methanol bunkering across US ports.”
Brad Hurwitz, SVP supply and trading, World Fuel, added: “World Fuel’s established global marine fuel platform allows us to deliver and transact methanol bunkering solutions efficiently and reliably to customers. Shipowners and operators evaluating methanol as a marine fuel require both technical expertise and marine fuel delivery experience. This enhanced capability of World Fuel with West Coast Clean Fuels provides customers practical turnkey access to integrate methanol into existing fuelling strategies.”
World Fuel and West Coast Clean Fuels say they are ready to support methanol bunkering needs across the US, offering vessel owners and operators a compliant and accessible solution as the maritime industry transitions toward lower-emission fuel alternatives.
Image: Methanol bunker fuel delivery in South Florida (source: World Fuel Services)
