Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) on Friday (25 September) announced the completion of chemical tanker Kokuryu Maru and that the first methanol bunkering to the vessel has been carried out. It is Kokuka Sangyo’s first dedicated methanol-fuelled vessel. The tanker is equipped with a dedicated methanol-fuelled main engine ordered by Kokuka Sangyo and manufactured by Hanshin Diesel Works. The vessel will be chartered by MGC and is expected to primarily transport methanol domestically, while also serving as a methanol bunkering vessel. In the first methanol bunkering conducted at Kinoe Port on 24 September, the fuel supplied included biomethanol produced domestically at MGC’s Niigata Plant. The supplied biomethanol will be used as fuel during operation of the vessel. In addition, the partial supply of biomethanol implemented this time is positioned as a pioneering initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of low-environmental-impact fuels. Methanol can also be synthesised from CO2, waste plastics, and biomass. Kokuka Sangyo is strengthening its initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions in shipping by building a system covering the entire process from methanol transportation to bunkering. Hanshin Diesel Works has long recognized methanol as a clean fuel and has advanced technology development accordingly, achieving early commercialization of methanol engines.   Photo credit: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Published: 28 September, 2026