On October 16, Guangzhou Port’s Nansha Automobile Terminal completed Guangdong Province’s first green methanol bunkering operation for a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel.

The newly launched Guangrong (CM GUANGZHOU), operated by China Merchants Ro-Ro, received 2,300 tonnes of methanol, including 1,400 tonnes of bonded green methanol. Following bunkering, the vessel loaded more than 4,000 new energy vehicles for shipment to Europe, marking its maiden call at Nansha.

The operation makes Guangzhou Port the world’s first port to have completed green methanol bunkering operations for all three vessel types: container ships, bulk carriers and car carriers. It also expands the port’s green methanol bunkering services across multiple vessel types and operating scenarios.

As one of China’s coastal ports with well-developed clean-fuel bunkering infrastructure, Guangzhou Port now offers bunkering services for liquefied natural gas (LNG), green methanol and biofuels, further strengthening its international shipping service capabilities.

In April 2026, three terminals at Nansha Automobile Terminal passed an on-site assessment for four-star green port status organised by the China Ports & Harbours Association.

During Guangrong’s call, green methanol bunkering took place alongside the loading of new energy vehicles. The operation highlights the potential for closer integration between lower-emission vessels and green port infrastructure, offering a practical example of how automotive exports from southern China can be combined with lower-carbon shipping.

Guangrong is a new-generation large car carrier and the first methanol dual-fuel Ro-Ro vessel to call at Nansha Automobile Terminal. The vessel measures 199.9 metres in length and 37.7 metres in beam, with a design capacity of 7,800 car equivalent units (CEU).

Its methanol dual-fuel propulsion system can significantly reduce emissions of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, making it an important technology pathway for decarbonising vehicle-carrying vessels.

On its maiden voyage from Nansha, the vessel is scheduled to call at ports in Spain, Belgium and other European destinations.

Compiled from :China Water Transport News