Equisera and VertomCory explore waste-derived bio-methanol for UK coastal shipping

Equisera and maritime services group VertomCory are exploring a British bio-methanol supply chain using domestically sourced biogenic waste, with coastal and short-sea shipping identified as the initial market. Announced by Equisera on 2 November 2026, the collaboration brings together waste-conversion technology and expertise in vessel operations, logistics and bunker supply.

The companies aim to assess how domestic fuel production could support shipping decarbonisation, strengthen energy security and create opportunities for British engineering and manufacturing.

Why start with coastal shipping routes?

The partners see regularly scheduled coastal services as a practical setting for developing fuel supply alongside vessels and bunkering infrastructure. Calls at a manageable number of ports could help coordinate these elements through green shipping corridors.

VertomCory Group Chief Executive Peter Wilson said the collaboration would combine maritime and customer knowledge with Equisera’s technology. Equisera Chief Executive James Milner highlighted the potential to turn Britain’s biogenic waste into a domestic marine fuel resource.

The next development stage will assess the integrated production system at scale, including its reliability, costs and lifecycle emissions.

How would waste be converted into marine fuel?

Equisera’s patented Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) uses supercritical water reforming to process wet biogenic materials. The company says the technology produces hydrogen, biomethane, captured carbon dioxide and biochar. Further industrial processing would convert the gases into bio-methanol suitable for vessels.

The process operates above water’s critical point, using temperatures exceeding 374°C and pressures above 221 bar. Under these conditions, water’s properties allow it to interact with organic material and support the reactions needed to break down complex feedstocks.

According to Equisera, its approach can process wet materials without drying or extensive preliminary treatment. Potential biogenic inputs include agricultural residues, wood waste, food waste and seaweed.

This feedstock flexibility is a central feature of the company’s technology proposition, although the shipping collaboration still requires demonstration of the complete waste-to-fuel production chain.

What makes methanol an option for shipping?

Methanol’s handling characteristics and available engine technology have supported growing interest among shipowners.

In a December 2025 assessment, classification society DNV reported more than 450 methanol-capable vessels operating or on order. It found that engines and associated technical systems had reached high levels of readiness, supported by established storage facilities and a growing bunkering fleet.

Methanol remains liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, allowing fuel-transfer infrastructure to resemble conventional bunkering arrangements. DNV nevertheless identified cost and renewable-fuel availability as significant barriers to wider adoption.

Its assessment also emphasised that lifecycle emissions vary by production pathway. Certain bio-methanol and e-methanol routes can deliver substantial reductions, making the origin and processing of the fuel important to its environmental performance.

UK carbon pricing adds to the commercial context

The initiative comes as domestic shipping falls within Britain’s carbon-pricing framework.

Since 1 July 2026, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme has covered eligible domestic maritime activities involving ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above, regardless of flag. Its scope includes carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions from voyages beginning and ending at UK ports, including journeys returning to the same port.

Covered activities also include emissions at berth and vessel movements within UK ports. The scheme places a price on emissions through tradable allowances, creating an incentive for operators to assess lower-carbon technologies and fuels.

For prospective bio-methanol suppliers, this provides a policy backdrop to the technical and commercial work required to establish a dependable domestic supply chain.