DNV Launches First Public Tender Portal for E-Methanol Procurement in EU and UK

Classification society DNV has announced the launch of the industry’s first public tender portal dedicated to e-methanol procurement across the European Union and the United Kingdom, marking a new step toward facilitating transparent and scalable access to low-carbon fuels.

The initiative connects a leading European e-methanol producer with industrial offtakers in the EU and UK markets, offering a structured platform for securing long-term, verified supplies of this renewable fuel.

Growing Demand for Renewable Fuels in Europe

As the energy transition accelerates, demand for clean energy carriers capable of decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors—such as maritime transport, aviation, and heavy industry—is rising rapidly. Among available e-fuels, e-methanol has emerged as one of the most technically mature and commercially deployable options.

Produced from renewable hydrogen and captured biogenic carbon, e-methanol aligns with several key European climate and energy frameworks, including RED III, Fit for 55, EU ETS, ReFuelEU Aviation, and FuelEU Maritime, and supports the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals.

Across Europe, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) are becoming central to national decarbonization plans. Countries such as Germany, Spain, France, and Belgium are adopting or proposing blending mandates that surpass EU-level targets, in some cases doubling or quadrupling minimum thresholds.

However, as biofuel feedstock constraints and regulatory tightening drive up prices, access to consistent, certified supplies of renewable fuels remains a key challenge.

Structured Tender Process to Secure Long-Term Supply

To address these market gaps, DNV has structured a transparent and competitive tender process on behalf of a European e-methanol producer. The initiative aims to secure long-term offtake agreements for upcoming RFNBO-certified volumes across the EU and UK.

The tender allows industrial users, maritime operators, traders, and other organizations committed to net-zero and sustainable sourcing to lock in reliable, price-stable, and regulation-compliant e-methanol supply.

“The technology for e-methanol exists, but the market mechanisms to scale it are still forming,” said Santiago Blanco, Vice-President and Regional Director at DNV. “By launching this tender, we are applying our neutral expertise to de-risk the procurement process for both producers and offtakers. This is about turning ambition into actionable supply agreements and accelerating the fuel transition in Europe.”

Two-Stage Tender to Build Market Confidence

The tender process comprises two stages:

1. A non-binding qualification phase to identify credible potential offtakers.
2. A negotiation phase between shortlisted parties and the producer.

This phased approach is designed to enhance confidence for both producers and buyers, supporting the establishment of e-methanol as a bankable commodity.

According to DNV, the offered product will be fully compliant with RED III and relevant RFNBO certification regulations, with certification in place from project start. Production will take place in Europe, with flexible delivery options available across the EU and UK, and deliveries expected to commence in the second half of 2028.

The launch of this tender represents a significant effort to operationalize Europe’s e-fuel ambitions, bridging the gap between technology readiness and commercial scalability.