UK Launches First Commercial Bio-Methanol Bunkering Service at Port of Immingham
The UK’s first commercially ready bio-methanol storage and supply service for shipping has been launched at the Port of Immingham, the largest port in the UK by cargo volume. The initiative aims to support the maritime sector’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize shipping operations.
The project is led by a three-party partnership between Exolum, Methanex Corporation, and Ørsted, which will provide marine bunkering services for bio-methanol at the port.
“This initiative marks a significant milestone for the Port of Immingham and the wider maritime sector,” said Steven Clapperton, Head of Marine (Humber) at Associated British Ports, the owner of the Port of Immingham.
“By enabling biomethanol bunkering, we are taking practical steps toward decarbonising one of the hardest-to-abate industries. Associated British Ports is proud to support partners like Exolum, Ørsted, and Methanex in driving innovation that aligns with the U.K.’s clean energy ambitions and positions our ports at the forefront of sustainable shipping.”
Partnership Roles in the Bio-Methanol Initiative
Under the partnership agreement:
- Exolum will provide the storage and fuelling infrastructure at its Immingham facility.
- Methanex will supply the bio-methanol used in the project.
- Ørsted will become the first company to utilize the service for its North Sea offshore wind farm maintenance vessels.
Bio-Methanol Production and Emissions Impact
The ISCC-certified bio-methanol supplied to Ørsted is produced at Methanex’s U.S. facilities on the Gulf Coast. The fuel is made using feedstocks derived from waste and residues, including organic municipal solid waste.
According to Methanex, the bio-methanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional marine fuels.
Ørsted to Pioneer Bio-Methanol Use for Service Vessels
“Ørsted is pleased to be the first to fuel its service-operation vessels with bio-methanol as part of this partnership,” said Mika Bärlund, Lead Category Manager at Ørsted.
“This project aligns with our commitment not only to create opportunities for local suppliers but also to help develop leading-edge technologies, in particular technologies which help us in our goal to deliver more sustainable operations and assist with the broader decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Finally, it is a step towards our vision of creating a world that runs entirely on green energy.”
