A new methanol bunkering capability in the United States is giving shipowners a clearer route into alternative fuels. Backed by regulatory approval and operational readiness, the development signals a shift from pilot projects to practical deployment.
World Fuel Services and West Coast Clean Fuels have completed an over-the-water methanol bunker delivery in South Florida, establishing a model that can be deployed across U.S. ports.
Methanol has been widely discussed as a lower-emission fuel, but access to safe and compliant bunkering has remained a constraint. The new capability addresses that gap with U.S. Coast Guard-approved procedures, trained personnel and dedicated equipment. West Coast Clean Fuels is currently the only operator in the country with approved truck-to-ship methanol bunkering procedures.
“Our procedures didn’t just meet regulatory requirements – they helped shape them. The U.S. 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 U.S. ports,” says Matt Campbell.
“World Fuel’s established global marine fuel platform allows us to deliver and transact methanol bunkering solutions efficiently and reliably to customers,” says Brad Hurwitz. “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.”
The ability to bunker alternative fuels at scale is now a deciding factor for fleet investment decisions.
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