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Posted On: 1/21/2026, 2:11:53 PM
Last Update: 1/21/2026, 2:11:53 PM
Efforts in the methanol-fueled ship segment continue despite a slowdown in orders, as shipowners seek to understand its role in sustainable shipping.
More importantly, as part of a larger strategy that includes energy-efficient retrofits, wind-assisted propulsion, voyage optimisation, and alternative fuels like ethanol and biofuels, Cargill highlights the significance of gathering data from its vessels.
Acknowledging uncertainty in wind-assisted propulsion and green methanol, Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill's Ocean Transportation, underlined the industry's duty to test these technologies, share results, and promote their broader adoption.
Cargill has chartered five green methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carriers, the first of which is called Brave Pioneer (82,000 dwt). In the upcoming years, the remaining vessels will join the fleet.
Remarkably, Brave Pioneer, built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. in the Philippines and owned by Mitsui & Co., is an 82,000-dwt vessel capable of running on conventional marine fuels and green methanol. It surpasses the 62,000 dwt Green Pioneer, the first methanol-fueled bulker currently under charter to NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers.
Besides, Tsuneishi's Kamsarmax design vessel is 229 metres long and registered in Panama, featuring a shallow draft and low air draft for versatility and access to various ports.
By utilising methanol as a fuel, Tsuneishi claims a reduction of about 10% in CO2 emissions, 80% in NOx, and 99% in SOx during operations compared to traditional vessels. Further, the incorporation of green methanol boosts the vessel’s capacity to lessen environmental impact and support sustainable shipping practices.
The Maritime Online Training Courses on methanol, as a marine fuel, cover principles, safety protocols, bunkering processes, dual-fuel engine operation, design considerations, regulatory compliance, and emergency response. The training is divided into three tiers: basic, advanced, and specialised firefighting, with deck and engine officers receiving both simulator and actual, hands-on instruction.
The Brave Pioneer, launched on July 17, 2025, in Balamban, Cebu by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, signifies a significant achievement in Philippine shipbuilding. This launch is notable as the yard, in partnership with Aboitiz Group, has now built a total of 381 ships.
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., attended a naming ceremony on January 15, calling it “a historic milestone for Philippine shipbuilding” and a testament to “Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity and competitiveness.”
The ship is departing the Philippines for Singapore to bunker green methanol, before continuing to Western Australia and then onward to Europe.
Cargill will conduct operational trials to evaluate green methanol bunkering readiness, trace environmental attributes via carbon accounting systems, and assess market demand for low-carbon freight services.
Furthermore, Dieleman stresses that achieving low-carbon shipping will involve various solutions, with green methanol being a component. The new fleet is designed for versatility, performing optimally on conventional fuels while being adaptable for greener alternatives as they become more accessible, ensuring future-proofing for ocean transport.
Mitsui ordered two vessels in 2023 for charter to Cargill. Subsequently, J. Lauritzen, via Lauritzen NexGen Shipping, placed orders for three Kamsarmax dual-fuel methanol bulkers, with delivery beginning in late 2026, also destined for Cargill.
