UK’s first commercial biomethanol bunkering service launched at Port of Immingham

The Port of Immingham, owned by Associated British Ports, is the UK’s largest port by cargo volume and serves as a key gateway for bulk materials and energy products. The new service enables the storage and bunkering of biomethanol for vessels operating in the region.

Under the arrangement, Exolum will provide storage and fuelling infrastructure at its Immingham terminal, Methanex will supply the biomethanol, and Ørsted will become the first user of the service. Ørsted plans to fuel its North Sea offshore wind farm service-operation vessels with biomethanol as part of the initiative.

The launch comes as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently deferred a vote on the implementation of its Net Zero Framework. Despite regulatory uncertainty, the partners said they are proceeding with infrastructure deployment to support shipping decarbonisation.

Biomethanol is increasingly viewed as one of the alternative marine fuels capable of reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. In the UK, domestic shipping accounts for approximately 4.7% of transport-related CO₂ emissions, exceeding emissions from buses, trains and domestic aviation combined.

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 at 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, 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.”

 The project illustrates how existing terminal infrastructure can be adapted to accommodate alternative marine fuels. As shipowners evaluate options such as methanol, ammonia and other low-carbon fuels, port-side readiness is emerging as a critical factor in supporting large-scale adoption.