Port of Rotterdam Joins MI – The Global Methanol Alliance as Clean Methanol Demand Grows

Summary

The Port of Rotterdam has joined MI – The Global Methanol Alliance, formerly the Methanol Institute, as a member and Board participant. Northern Europe’s largest methanol hub handles more than 3 million tonnes of methanol a year, pioneered barge-to-ship methanol bunkering and is preparing for growing volumes of renewable and low-carbon methanol for shipping and industry.

Article

Rotterdam: The Port of Rotterdam has joined MI – The Global Methanol Alliance as its newest member and Board participant, the industry body announced on October 12, 2026. The alliance was previously known as the Methanol Institute.

The move brings Northern Europe’s largest methanol hub into the global alliance as renewable and low-carbon methanol gains ground as a marine fuel and industrial feedstock.

Why is Rotterdam important for methanol?

Rotterdam has historically been Europe’s largest bunkering port. It handles more than 3 million tonnes of methanol annually and is a major centre for methanol storage, distribution and bunkering, serving its own industrial cluster and others across Northern Europe.

It was the world’s first port to carry out barge-to-ship methanol bunkering and hosts some of Europe’s largest dedicated methanol storage and bunkering facilities.

How is Rotterdam’s methanol role changing?

The port’s role is shifting as renewable and low-carbon methanol production grows. Initial volumes of renewable methanol are already being traded and handled at Rotterdam, with further growth expected in the coming years.

Building on existing methanol supply chains to the chemicals sector, new projects are under development for methanol-to-sustainable aviation fuel, methanol-to-olefins and methanol production from biomass and waste.

What did the leaders say?

Alexander Döll, CEO of MI – The Global Methanol Alliance, said building the methanol market requires the entire value chain, adding that “ports are where supply, infrastructure and demand meet.” He said Rotterdam’s experience, from pioneering barge-to-ship bunkering to a growing methanol trade, would help members extend supply chains into new markets and applications.

Matthijs van Doorn, Vice President Commercial at the Port of Rotterdam, said the port has a strong methanol ecosystem with multiple terminals and hinterland connections, and intends to strengthen that position while preparing for the transition to clean methanol. He said methanol would play a key role in decarbonising both the port’s industrial cluster and shipping, and that the alliance’s global network would help the port build new partnerships and supply chains.

How does this fit the wider methanol market?

Ports worldwide are racing to build methanol bunkering capability as methanol dual-fuel ships enter service. In China, Guangzhou Port recently completed its first terminal-based green methanol bunkering for a COSCO 16,000-TEU container ship.

Supply is also scaling up. In the Netherlands, Perpetual Next is developing the 220,000 tonnes-a-year DeltaNor biomethanol plant at Delfzijl, with bunkering and shipping identified as key markets. In India, NTPC’s planned green hydrogen hub at Pudimadaka in Andhra Pradesh is designed to produce 1,500 tonnes of green methanol a day.

Why does it matter?

Rotterdam’s membership gives the alliance a major supply, storage and bunkering hub at a time when the methanol market is shifting from fossil-based to renewable production. For shipowners investing in methanol dual-fuel tonnage, coordinated development of supply chains between producing regions and major bunkering ports will be critical to securing reliable, competitively priced green methanol.

FAQs

What has the Port of Rotterdam joined?

It has joined MI – The Global Methanol Alliance, formerly the Methanol Institute, as a member and Board participant.

How much methanol does Rotterdam handle?

The port handles more than 3 million tonnes of methanol a year.

What methanol first does Rotterdam hold?

It was the world’s first port to carry out barge-to-ship methanol bunkering.

Is renewable methanol already traded in Rotterdam?

Yes. Initial volumes of renewable methanol are already being traded and handled at the port, with more growth expected.

What new methanol projects are under development at Rotterdam?

Projects for methanol-to-SAF, methanol-to-olefins and methanol production from biomass and waste.