DNV opens tender for long-term e-methanol access

DNV, the Oslo-based classification society, has launched a public tender to offer long-term supply of e-methanol within the European Union (EU) and the UK.

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The initiative will connect leading e-methanol producers with industrial off takers, across EU and UK markets.

DNV will offer a total volume of 450,000 mt/yr of e-methanol through this tender, “creating a new pathway to secure long-term, reliable supplies of this key low-carbon fuel,” it said.

It will also cater to the growing demand for clean energy carriers that can decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, like the shipping industry, DNV said.

Supply is expected to commence by the second half of 2028. DNV has not disclosed the suppliers of e-methanol for the tender.

E-methanol, or synthetic methanol, is produced using 100% biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) and green hydrogen. The biogenic CO2 is typically captured through either bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or through direct air capture (DAC).

E-methanol produced by this method is virtually free of greenhouse gases and can cut a vessel's CO2 emissions by 95% compared to conventional marine fuels on a well-to-wake basis.

“Among e-fuels, e-methanol stands out as a technically mature, scalable and commercially viable solution,” DNV added.

The tender is in line with the European Union’s (EU) Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) – representing guidelines that target boosting renewable energy use and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – as well as with the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and the EU’s Fit for 55 vision.

It is open to maritime operators, traders and other industrial users, DNV said. Registrations for the tender are open until 31 October.

“Through the process, qualified off takers will have the opportunity to secure long-term supply contracts (10–15 years) under clear and competitive conditions,” the classification society added.

The product scope is set to feature a very low carbon intensity (CI) score that ensures compliance with sustainability standards, DNV said. “Fixed pricing mechanisms will apply,” it added.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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