Swedish-produced biomethane bunkered at the Port of

In a significant milestone for sustainable shipping, St1 and St1 Biokraft have successfully delivered liquefied biomethane to the maritime sector for the first time. The operation took place at the Port of Gothenburg, where the vessel Tern Ocean was bunkered. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards establishing large-scale biomethane supply for shipping, as the Port of Gothenburg aims to become Scandinavia’s leading hub for alternative fuels.

Pioneering Biomethane Supply at Gothenburg Port

The recent bunkering operation at quay 519 in the Port of Gothenburg served as a crucial pilot test for St1 and St1 Biokraft. This event not only showcased their capabilities as suppliers of biomethane but also tested the collaborative efforts required across the entire value chain. Key players, including Terntank, gas infrastructure owner Nordion Energi, and the producers, played vital roles in this operation.

Therese Jällbrink, Head of Renewable Energy at the Port of Gothenburg, emphasized the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders. “To accelerate the maritime sector’s transition, it is essential that all actors across the value chain pull in the same direction, cooperate, and translate ambitions into practice,” she stated. The successful bunkering operation is a testament to this collaborative spirit.

Biomethane is increasingly recognized as a renewable fuel that fits well within the maritime sector. Its established handling routines and growing demand from shipping companies make it a viable alternative. Jällbrink noted that liquefied biomethane is a crucial component of the fuel mix needed to support the shipping industry’s transition towards greener practices. The Port of Gothenburg is actively working on green shipping corridors to facilitate fossil-free logistics chains, and this recent operation is a significant step towards achieving that goal.

Collaborative Study on Biomethane Production and Use from Animal Manure in Hamanaka Town

Future Plans for Biomethane Production

St1 and St1 Biokraft have ambitious plans to expand their biomethane production capabilities, with several new facilities slated for development across Sweden. A notable project includes a liquefaction facility set to be built by Nordion Energi at the Port of Gothenburg in 2026. This facility will connect to the West Sweden gas grid, creating new opportunities for biomethane producers to access the maritime market.

Ted Gustavsson, Head of Value Chain at St1 Biokraft, expressed optimism about the future. “Once the liquefaction plant is completed, we will have a solid solution in place at the Port of Gothenburg. This is a strategic step towards our goal of scaling up and offering competitive liquefied biomethane to the shipping sector, thereby taking a leading position in this segment,” he said.

As the maritime industry continues to seek sustainable fuel alternatives, the successful delivery of biomethane at the Port of Gothenburg represents a promising development in the transition towards greener shipping practices.