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

The United Kingdom has taken a major step toward decarbonising maritime transport with the launch of its first commercially ready biomethanol storage and bunkering service at the Port of Immingham.

Announced by Exolum, Methanex Corporation and Ørsted, the initiative brings low-carbon marine fuel to the UK’s largest port by cargo volume and one of its most strategically important energy gateways.

Shipping remains one of the world’s hardest sectors to decarbonise, a challenge underscored by the International Maritime Organization’s recent decision to delay a vote on its net-zero framework.

Against that backdrop, the Immingham project demonstrates how industry players can move forward with practical solutions, even as global policy discussions continue.

Under the collaboration, Exolum will provide biomethanol storage and fuelling infrastructure at its Immingham facility, drawing on its expertise in energy logistics.

Methanex, the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol, will supply the biomethanol, while Ørsted will be the first customer, using the fuel to power service vessels supporting its North Sea offshore wind farms.

The project highlights how existing port and energy infrastructure can be adapted to support sustainable fuels, accelerating the transition to low-carbon shipping.

This is particularly significant in the UK, where domestic shipping accounts for 4.7% of transport-related CO₂ emissions—more than buses, trains and domestic aviation combined.

By enabling commercial biomethanol bunkering, the Port of Immingham positions itself at the forefront of sustainable shipping and marks an important first step toward reducing emissions across both domestic and international maritime operations.