Los Angeles and Long Beach have selected LNG and methanol as the strongest alternative marine fuel options for the near and medium term, gCaptain reported. A joint assessment recommends developing bunkering capacity in stages, using existing facilities where possible rather than committing immediately to major infrastructure projects.
The Clean Marine Fuel Feasibility Assessment, undertaken through the ports’ Green Shipping Corridor initiatives, examined likely fuel choices by shipping companies, demand through 2030 and investment requirements. According to gCaptain, it projects annual LNG demand at the San Pedro Bay ports of 65,000-115,000 metric tonnes by 2030. Methanol consumption could reach 64,000-250,000 tonnes a year, with both forecasts dependent on market conditions and the deployment of vessels able to use alternative fuels.
For methanol, the assessment found that much of the storage and distribution capacity needed for bunkering either exists or could be repurposed, potentially limiting initial expenditure. It recommends trial bunkering operations, incentives to encourage early uptake and coordination with regulators on safety and permitting. For LNG, the preferred approach is to use existing ship-to-ship bunkering methods rather than build substantial new storage capacity inside the ports.
Around 4,000 vessels visit the two Southern California ports each year, and oceangoing ships are the port complex’s largest emissions source, gCaptain reported. Cleaner marine fuels therefore form an important part of efforts to meet the ports’ Clean Air Action Plan objectives. Shipping companies are investing increasingly in dual-fuel vessels, although no single fuel has emerged as the industry’s settled long-term choice.
The assessment cautions that emissions benefits depend on fuel production and sourcing. Feedstocks, manufacturing processes and supply chains can significantly alter the overall climate impact of LNG and methanol. Fuel costs, regulation and shipping line commitments will also shape the pace of demand growth.
The ports renewed their Green and Digital Shipping Corridor agreement with Singapore in April, covering alternative-fuel bunkering, demonstration projects and digital connectivity. Singapore has already carried out methanol bunkering trials and licensed suppliers. A joint request for proposals is expected by the end of 2026 to seek alternative-fuel bunkering demonstration projects in San Pedro Bay, while the assessment will inform planning with shipping lines, suppliers, terminal operators and government agencies.