Exolum, Methanex Corporation and Ørsted have launched the UK's first commercially available biomethanol storage and supply service for shipping at the Port of Immingham, the companies announced on 10 February.

The Port of Immingham is the UK's largest port by cargo volume and serves as a gateway for energy and bulk materials.

Under the partnership, Exolum will provide storage and fuelling infrastructure at its Immingham facility, while Methanex will supply the biomethanol. Ørsted will be the first customer, using the service for its North Sea offshore wind farm maintenance vessels.

UK government statistics from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) show domestic shipping emitted 5.2 MtCO₂e in 2023, out of total domestic transport emissions of 111.8 MtCO₂e. This equates to roughly 4.6%, which is more than the country's buses, trains and domestic aviation combined.

Stephen Land, North-West Europe Chief Executive at 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 decarbonise."

Mika Bärlund, Lead Category Manager at Ørsted, noted: "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 decarbonisation of the maritime sector."

Stuart McCall, Vice President, Low Carbon Global Market Development at Methanex, commented: "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) at Associated British Ports, which owns the Port of Immingham, stated: "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 decarbonising one of the hardest-to-abate industries."