February 11, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- Exolum, Methanex Corporation and Orsted have announced the launch of the United Kingdom’s first commercially ready bio-methanol storage and supply service for shipping at the Port of Immingham. The Port of Immingham is the U.K.’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.

Advancing Maritime Decarbonization

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.

Collaborative Infrastructure Solution

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. Orsted will be the first to utilise this service for its North Sea offshore wind farm maintenance vessels supporting the U.K.’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.

Addressing Domestic Shipping Emissions

In the U.K., domestic shipping accounts for 4.7 percent 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.

Partner Perspectives

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 Barlund, lead category manager at Orsted, said: “Orsted 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 at Methanex, said: “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.”

Steven Clapperton, head of marine (Humber) at Associated British Ports, owner of Port of Immingham, said: “This initiative marks a significant milestone for the Port of Immingham and the wider maritime sector. 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, Orsted, 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.”