S&P Global Launches Low-Carbon Methanol Marine Fuel Price Assessments in Shanghai and Rotterdam

With an attempt to bring in global maritime decarbonization, S&P Global Commodity Insights has started assessing low-carbon methanol marine fuel (MMF) prices for Rotterdam and Shanghai since May 2, 2025. This step is the latest in bringing in market clarity to cleaner marine fuel alternatives into two of the globe's most hectic ports.

Shanghai, the world's busiest container port, already has bunkering and sustainable use of methanol activity. As Chinese capacity for methanol is likely to reach 200,000 metric tons (mt) per year in 2025 and double to 1.5 million mt per year by 2028, Shanghai has become a key low-carbon methanol trading hub. Initiating price assessments here is designed to provide shipowners, fuel producers, and traders with more reliable pricing cues in the emerging market.

Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe and a veteran bunker hub, also joins the list of markets analyzed by Platts, the subsidiary of S&P Global Commodity Insights. The port has been a busy player in emissions-reducing initiatives, including the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor with Singapore. As the FuelEU Maritime regulation goes into effect in January 2025, requiring stepwise GHG intensity reductions until 2050, the Rotterdam valuations provide timely intelligence for players in this emerging regulatory environment.

The new price reviews follow Platts' introduction of Singapore low-carbon MMF benchmarks six months ago. The new coverage adds depth to the company's growing portfolio of alternative marine fuel benchmarks. Shanghai and Rotterdam assessments are designed to support trading and investment decisions for marine fuel suppliers and shipping companies transitioning from conventional fossil-based bunkers.

The following assessments are included:

Platts Low-carbon Methanol FOB Shanghai

Platts Low-carbon Methanol Marine Fuel Delivered Shanghai

Platts Low-carbon Methanol Marine Fuel Delivered Rotterdam (USD/mt)

Platts Low-carbon Methanol Marine Fuel Delivered Rotterdam (Euro/mt)

These prices reflect market values of sustainability-backed fuels with supporting documentation certifying lower carbon intensity than fossil fuels. The methodology is aligned with the requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive.

The need for lower-emission shipping alternatives continues to grow, especially in the wake of the latest International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee's move to start penalizing maritime GHG emissions from 2028. With regulatory frameworks and port-government-private sector collaboration as support, demand and liquidity for low-carbon methanol should increase significantly.

Platts has over four decades of history monitoring chemical markets and still growing its alternative marine fuels coverage, which covers LNG, ammonia, and bio-bunkers. Shanghai and Rotterdam low-carbon methanol marine fuel price assessments are a part of this wider campaign to drive transparency and well-informed decision-making in the shipping and energy industry.

Conclusion:
With Shanghai and Rotterdam low-carbon MMF measurements initiated, S&P Global Commodity Insights is setting higher global standards for clear price establishment of alternative marine fuels. The new measurements are set to guide industry participants through emerging environmental obligations and manage their investment and trading activities more effectively in an evolving energy environment.

Source & Credits:
Source: S&P Global Commodity Insights
Credits: S&P Global Commodity Insights Press Release, May 2, 2025