In a significant step for maritime decarbonization, Exolum, Methanex Corporation, and Ørsted have launched the United Kingdom’s first commercially ready biomethanol storage and supply service at the Port of Immingham. As the UK’s largest port by cargo volume, Immingham serves as a strategic hub for this initiative, providing a critical gateway for the distribution of low-carbon fuels.
The partnership moves forward despite the International Maritime Organization’s recent decision to defer a vote on the implementation of its Net Zero Framework. By establishing this infrastructure now, the involved companies are prioritizing immediate action in the shipping industry, which remains one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonize globally.
Under the terms of the collaboration, each partner provides a specific technical component to the supply chain. Exolum is utilizing its existing infrastructure at Immingham to provide storage and bunkering services, while Methanex is responsible for supplying the biomethanol. Ørsted will act as the inaugural customer, using the fuel for its fleet of offshore wind farm maintenance vessels operating in the North Sea.
This project highlights the feasibility of adapting existing energy assets to accommodate sustainable fuels. The initiative addresses a major source of pollution, as domestic shipping in the UK currently accounts for 4.7% of transport-related CO₂ emissions—a figure that exceeds the combined emissions of the nation’s buses, trains, and domestic aviation. By proving the commercial readiness of biomethanol, the partners aim to create a scalable model for reducing both domestic and international maritime emissions.
Stephen Land, North-West Europe Chief Executive, Exolum said, "This is a groundbreaking project for Exolum as it exemplifies how our energy logistics can help deliver our customers’ green transition. It demonstrates how the strategic location of our infrastructure and our extensive experience in the transport and storage of various products can help transform one of the most difficult sectors of today's economy to decarbonize."
Mika Bärlund, Lead Category Manager at Ørsted said, “Ørsted is pleased to be the first to fuel its service-operation vessels with biomethanol as part of this partnership. 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 decarbonization of the maritime sector. Finally, it is a step towards our vision of creating a world that runs entirely on green energy.”
Stuart McCall, Vice President, Low Carbon Global Market Development, Methanex, said “Methanex is proud to supply the biomethanol for this milestone initiative. As the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol, we are committed to developing and supporting innovative solutions that accelerate the transition to low-carbon shipping.”
Steven Clapperton, Head of Marine (Humber), Associated British Ports, owner of Port of Immingham said, “This initiative marks a significant milestone for the Port of Immingham and the wider maritime sector. By enabling biomethanol bunkering, we are taking practical steps toward decarbonizing 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.”