Equinor, a leading energy company, has entered into a two-year bio-methanol supply agreement with Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a major global player in shipping and vehicle logistics. This partnership supports the growing marine segment for low-carbon fuels, providing an essential step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The deal is set to commence in late 2026, with supplies received at the Ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp, positioning the partnership within key European maritime hubs.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen will use the bio-methanol as bunker fuel for its upcoming dual-fuel methanol vessels. This move is expected to significantly reduce emissions from ships that utilize this fuel, providing a substantial step towards net zero logistics solutions for customers. The company's roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping and vehicle logistics business will play a crucial role in the growth of low-carbon fuels in the marine segment.
The use of bio-methanol as bunker fuel will enable Wallenius Wilhelmsen to provide lower emission end-to-end logistics solutions to their customers. This is a significant milestone for the company, marking an important step towards decarbonization and scaling alternative fuels. The partnership with Equinor demonstrates the growing interest in low-carbon fuels and the need for sustainable shipping practices.
Equinor has previously signed supply agreements for bio-methanol with Maersk and NCL, further solidifying its position as a leader in the production of low-carbon fuels. The company is progressing several leads for both bio and conventional methanol supply agreements, highlighting its commitment to scaling alternative fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The partnership between Equinor and Wallenius Wilhelmsen marks an essential step towards scaling alternative fuels and moving from ambition to execution. This deal demonstrates the growing demand for low-carbon fuels in the shipping industry and the need for sustainable practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Equinor's supply of bio-methanol is based on a combination of methanol produced at its facility at Tjeldbergodden, Norway, and biogas certificates stemming from captured biogas from manure and other biomass. This approach enables quick production while also allowing for less pressure on pristine land, natural resources, and the environment.
The method used by Equinor to produce bio-methanol is a mass-balance basis, which means that it can be produced in existing facilities using existing infrastructure and plants. This allows for efficient production while minimizing environmental impact.
The partnership also enables capture of methane emissions that would arise from the manure feedstock if left untouched. By utilizing this approach, Equinor is reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices in the energy sector.
Overall, the bio-methanol deal between Equinor and Wallenius Wilhelmsen marks a significant step towards decarbonizing shipping and scaling alternative fuels. As the demand for low-carbon fuels continues to grow, this partnership demonstrates the need for sustainable practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental responsibility.
This partnership marks a significant step towards scaling alternative fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.
