Exolum, Methanex Corporation and Ørsted, have announced the launch of the UK’s first commercially ready bio-methanol storage and supply service for shipping at the Port of Immingham. The Port of Immingham is the UK’s largest port by cargo volume and a critical gateway for energy and bulk materials, making it an important hub for maritime operations and low‑carbon fuel supply.
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.
Stephen Land, North-West Europe Chief Executive for Exolum says: ‘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 decarbonise.’
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.
‘This initiative marks a significant milestone for the Port of Immingham and the wider maritime sector,’ says Steven Clapperton, Head of Marine (Humber), Associated British Ports, owner of Port of Immingham. ‘By enabling bio-methanol 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 UK’s clean energy ambitions and positions our ports at the forefront of sustainable shipping.’
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.
