MARITIME AND SHIPPING
E-methanol to decarbonise global shipping
E-methanol is one of the leading replacement fuels for shipping, supporting the decarbonisation of global shipping routes. Global shipping companies are launching dual-fuel ships which can run on both e-methanol and heavy fuel oil and use existing port infrastructure for bunkering.
HYRO is developing an e-methanol project in the UK to help decarbonise UK and EU shipping routes.
An alternative fuel for 80% of world trade
Maritime shipping underpins over 80% of global trade. Long- to medium-haul shipping routes require high energy density drop-in fuels and end-to-end port infrastructure to ensure availability of supply. Battery electric and hydrogen powered ships are not currently technically or commercially viable for these routes.
E-methanol is one of the leading solutions to decarbonise shipping. HYRO is developing an e-methanol production facility in direct response to demand from end-users – following our offtake-led development approach.
What e-methanol is and how it is produced
E-methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen and captured CO₂ in a synthesis reactor. Using recycled CO₂ allows the fuel to achieve near zero lifecycle emissions. E-methanol is chemically identical to fossil-based methanol.
E-methanol can be burned directly in methanol-compatible ship engines, replacing heavy fuel oil.
UK Maritime Decarbonisation
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme was expanded to include maritime shipping from 2026. Vessel operators will now pay for their CO₂ emissions, penalising the use of high-carbon fuels.
The UK Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy targets create a commercial incentive for shipping operators to secure access to low-carbon fuels. HYRO’s e-methanol project is being developed in response to this demand.
By developing a national net-zero maritime decarbonisation target, the UK government is supporting local resilience of supply, increasing energy security in the UK, and supporting development of the UK’s clean tech industry and related IP.
UK Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy targets
2030: at least 30% reduction in maritime sector emissions
2040: at least 80% reduction
2050: net zero lifecycle fuel emissions
How HYRO helps
HYRO is developing an e-methanol project in the UK, leading the UK’s net-zero maritime industry and contributing to the UK’s maritime decarbonisation strategy.
Our projects are UK-based, serving UK fuel supply obligations and contributing to UK energy security.
Contact us to discuss e-methanol offtake or project partnership.