Los Angeles and Long Beach have identified LNG and methanol as the strongest near- and medium-term alternatives to conventional marine fuels, according to gCaptain. A joint port assessment recommends developing bunkering capabilities in stages, using existing infrastructure where possible rather than committing immediately to major new facilities.
The Clean Marine Fuel Feasibility Assessment, undertaken through the ports’ Green Shipping Corridor initiatives, examined likely fuel choices by shipping companies, demand prospects through 2030 and supporting investment requirements. gCaptain reported projected annual LNG demand of 65,000–115,000 metric tonnes at the San Pedro Bay ports by 2030. Methanol demand was estimated at 64,000–250,000 metric tonnes, with uptake 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 required either exists or could be converted for marine use, potentially limiting initial expenditure. It recommends pilot bunkering operations, incentives to encourage early adoption and engagement with regulators on safety standards and permitting. For LNG, the preferred approach is to use existing ship-to-ship bunkering arrangements rather than build substantial new storage capacity inside the ports.
The study also cautions that fuel choice alone does not determine climate performance. The environmental benefits of LNG and methanol depend on feedstocks, production processes and supply chains. Fuel costs, regulation and commitments by shipping lines will shape the pace of demand growth. Around 4,000 vessels visit the two ports each year, and oceangoing ships are the port complex’s largest emissions source, making marine fuel changes important to its Clean Air Action Plan objectives.
The work follows the ports’ renewal in April of their Green and Digital Shipping Corridor agreement with Singapore, covering alternative-fuel bunkering, demonstration projects and digital connectivity. Singapore has already held methanol bunkering trials and licensed methanol suppliers, while the California ports are developing demonstration capabilities. According to gCaptain, a joint request for proposals is expected by the end of 2026 to seek alternative-fuel bunkering demonstration projects in San Pedro Bay. The assessment will also inform planning with shipowners, fuel suppliers, terminal operators and government agencies.