DNV unveils public e-methanol tender portal

DNV has launched a groundbreaking public tender portal for e-methanol procurement, marking a significant step in the transition to cleaner fuels in the EU and UK. This innovative online platform aims to connect producers with industrial buyers in sectors such as shipping, heavy industry, and aviation, as demand for sustainable energy sources continues to rise. By providing a transparent and competitive framework, DNV seeks to facilitate long-term supply agreements for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs).

Addressing Market Challenges and Ensuring Compliance

The introduction of this tender portal comes at a time when e-methanol is gaining traction as a low-carbon alternative to traditional marine fuels. Produced from renewable hydrogen and captured biogenic carbon, e-methanol aligns with stringent EU and International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization standards, including frameworks like RED III, FuelEU Maritime, and Fit for 55. DNV emphasizes that this initiative is designed to tackle a critical market bottleneck: the absence of reliable and certified supply channels for e-methanol.

By offering price stability and compliance assurance, the tender aims to support buyers in meeting future fuel mandates. Santiago Blanco, DNV’s vice president and regional director, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The technology for e-methanol exists, but the market mechanisms to scale it are still forming.” He further explained that the tender is intended to mitigate risks in the procurement process for both producers and offtakers, ultimately transforming ambitious goals into actionable supply agreements.

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The tender process will unfold in two stages. Initially, a non-binding qualification phase will identify eligible buyers, followed by direct negotiations between shortlisted participants and the e-methanol producer. Deliveries of RFNBO-certified e-methanol are anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2028. DNV believes that this tender will bolster market confidence and contribute to establishing e-methanol as a viable and bankable commodity within Europe’s decarbonization landscape.