Egypt’s green fuel industry witnessed a momentous boost following the successful refueling of a container ship with methanol at the East Port Said harbor.
Today, on Friday, August 18, 2023, the Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority heralded the successful completion of the maiden methanol refueling operation for a container ship. The refueling service spanned approximately six hours.
This event marks not only Egypt’s inaugural foray into green ship fueling but is also a first for Africa and the Middle East, as reported by the specialized energy platform.
Egypt’s Strategy:
This green fueling endeavor is emblematic of Egypt’s broader strategy, which aspires to play a pivotal role in ship refueling services—both conventional and green. The aim is to capitalize on its strategic maritime locations along the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
Notably, Egypt previously welcomed the world’s first green-fueled ship—owned by the global shipping conglomerate Maersk—on its lengthy journey to Europe.
The economic zone’s statement, per the energy platform, detailed the refueling service for the Maersk shipping line. The vessel was supplied by the Lara S barge, a subsidiary of the global service provider OCI, a frontrunner in green ship fueling and the world’s leading methanol producer. The container ship received a staggering 500 tons of green methanol at the Suez Canal’s container station, the primary operator for East Port Said.
This quantity surpasses the methanol the ship was previously provided at its earlier stops in Korea and Singapore during its voyage from Asia to Europe via the Port of East Port Said in Egypt.
The triumphant refueling operation was a testament to the collaborative efforts and coordination among various entities to accommodate the methanol-powered ship. The Suez Canal Economic Zone seamlessly managed this pioneering operation, working hand-in-hand with the Suez Canal Authority, the Suez Canal Container Terminal, Port Said’s Ambulance Facility, Civil Protection Forces, as well as the Navy and Interior forces, who had a contingency plan to ensure the operation’s efficient and safe execution.
Egypt’s Ports:
The Suez Canal Economic Zone is setting its sights on transforming its ports into a regional hub for both traditional (fossil) and green fuel ship refueling. This ambition underscores its commitment to domesticating the green fuel industry in Egypt, including its ancillary and complementary sectors.
The Suez Canal Economic Zone’s strategy for establishing a green fuel industry in Egypt hinges on three primary pillars: manufacturing green fuel (green hydrogen, green ammonia, methanol), promoting auxiliary industries vital for green fuel production—like electrolyzers, solar panels, and wind turbines—and leading the charge in green ship fueling operations.
