Record Biomethanol Bunkering Supports CMA CGM Green Voyage to Brazil

CMA CGM's containership Osmium has been loaded with 8,106 tonnes of biomethanol at the Port of Shanghai, marking the world's largest single-batch bunkering of the fuel to date. The volume covers the vessel's entire voyage from China to Brazil, supporting the viability of a green shipping corridor to South America's East Coast. CMA CGM says using the renewable fuel will yield an estimated emissions reduction equivalent to 10,000 tonnes of CO2, advancing low-carbon marine fuel adoption.

 

Details of the Bunkering

 

CMA CGM has completed a landmark refuelling operation. Its containership Osmium was loaded with biomethanol. This took place at the Port of Shanghai. The volume amounted to 8,106 tonnes. This marked the largest single-batch bunkering of the fuel to date.

The vessel involved is a large containership. The Osmium has a capacity of 13,128 TEU. It was built in 2026. The bunkering volume covers its entire voyage. This demonstrates the practical viability of the fuel.

 

The Green Corridor

 

The operation supports a green shipping corridor. The fuel will cover a voyage from China to Brazil. This underpins the viability of the corridor. It runs from Shanghai to South America's East Coast. This represents a significant low-carbon shipping route.

The voyage follows a defined route. The vessel will sail from Chinese ports to Singapore. It will then continue to Brazil. Its destinations include Rio de Janeiro and Santos. This establishes a long-distance green corridor.

 

The Emissions Benefit

 

The renewable fuel offers significant emissions savings. CMA CGM estimated the reduction achieved. Using biomethanol will cut emissions substantially. This equals roughly 10,000 tonnes of CO2. This demonstrates the fuel's environmental value.

These savings support decarbonisation goals. Biomethanol is a renewable marine fuel. It offers lower emissions than conventional fuels. This makes it attractive for green corridors. The operation validates its use at scale.

 

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The Fuel Supply

 

The fuel came from a large-scale facility. Most biomethanol was supplied from a Chinese project. This was Shanghai Electric's Taonan Project. The facility integrates wind power with biomass. This produces green methanol at commercial scale.

The facility is a substantial operation. Its first phase opened in July 2025. It has an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes. This provides a reliable fuel source. It underpins the viability of such bunkering operations.

 

The Bunkering Operation

 

The refuelling used a specialised vessel. A dedicated tanker performed the ship-to-ship bunkering. It is owned by a Chinese port group subsidiary. The 16,000-cubic-metre tanker is the world's largest of its type. It was converted from a former vessel at a Chinese shipyard.

The receiving vessel is also technically advanced. The Osmium was built to DNV class in South Korea. It has a methanol dual-fuel engine. This engine complies with IMO Tier III NOx regulations. This makes it suited to methanol operations.

 

Building on Prior Operations

 

The bunkering extends earlier cooperation. It is the second large-scale operation of its kind. The same three parties collaborated before. These are CMA CGM and two Chinese companies. This reflects an established partnership.

The scale has grown between operations. In March, the parties refuelled the same vessel. That involved 3,643 tonnes of biomethanol. It was the previous largest single-batch loading. The new operation more than doubled that volume.