Exolum, Methanex Corp., and Ørsted announce bio-methanol storage

The initiative underscores the partners’ commitment to advancing decarbonisation in maritime transport – even as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently deferred its vote on implementation of its Net Zero Framework, a policy regarded as critical to reducing emissions in shipping. Despite this delay, the companies are prioritising action to drive progress in one of the world’s hardest-to-abate sectors.

The initiative will provide marine bunkering services for bio methanol, one of the leading green fuels for decarbonising shipping. Exolum will provide the storage and fuelling infrastructure at its Immingham facility, leveraging its extensive experience and strategic assets. Methanex will supply the bio-methanol for the project. Ørsted will be the first to utilise this service for its North Sea offshore wind farm maintenance vessels supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions.

This collaboration demonstrates how existing energy infrastructure can be adapted to support new, sustainable fuels and highlights the partners’ shared commitment to accelerating the maritime sector’s transition to low-carbon operations.

In the UK, domestic shipping accounts for 4.7% of transport-related CO₂ emissions – more than the country’s buses, trains, and domestic aviation combined. This project marks a significant first step toward addressing that challenge and the wider challenge of decarbonising international shipping 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 experience in the transport and storage of various products can help transform one of the most difficult sectors of today’s economy to decarbonise.”

Mika Bärlund, Lead Category Manager at Ørsted, commented: “Ørsted is pleased to be the first to fuel its service-operation vessels with bio-methanol 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 decarbonisation 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, added: “Methanex is proud to supply the bio methanol 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.”

Read the article online at: https://www.tanksterminals.com/storage-tanks/11022026/exolum-methanex-corp-and-rsted-announce-bio-methanol-storage/