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BIMCO Adopts Methanol Bunkering Annex

[ October 10, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

BIMCO said it has adopted a Methanol Annex to its Bunker Terms 2018, the latest addition to the Danish international shipping association’s portfolio of contracts and clauses that support the maritime industry’s transition towards alternative fuels and decarbonization.

 The annex, adopted by BIMCO’s documentary committee, provides definitions to reflect ongoing developments in the bunkering landscape. It also targets the increasing importance of sustainability certification, which verifies the source and environmental credentials of the fuel under regulations such as the FuelEU Maritime.

 “The Methanol Annex has been developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders and technical experts to ensure that it meets the practical and legal requirements of methanol as a marine fuel. It reflects on current industry practices and anticipates future developments in the regulatory area,” said Nicholas Fell, chair of BIMCO’s documentary committee.

The annex enables parties to specify greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity limits, fossil comparators and methodologies for calculating emissions via the Election Sheet. The flexible approach ensures that the annex can be adapted to future regulations and allow parties to agree and specify the parameters relevant to their particular contract.

Considering the toxic nature of methanol and the safety hazards involved, the subcommittee carefully considered the samples and measurements of methanol.

Additionally, the annex mandates the use of closed or remote sounding procedures for methanol bunkering to enhance the safety of the crew involved in the bunkering operation.

“Building on the momentum of the LNG annex adopted in 2023, the Methanol Annex was a natural next step,” said Stinne Taiger Ivø, deputy secretary general and director of contracts at BIMCO. “We’re continuing to develop and standardize supply terms for new fuels, with an Ammonia Annex to follow when the timing is right. A Biofuels Clause for Time Charter Parties is also underway and expected later this year.

Tags: BIMCO, FuelEU Maritime