UK Consortium to Trial Green Methanol Production for Maritime Use

A new project involving Associated British Ports (ABP), PuriFire Energy, Shoreham Port, Newcastle University, the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, and other partners will work towards a trial of green methanol production technology.

According to ABP, the initiative will assess the viability, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness of PuriFire’s process in supporting the decarbonization of the UK and in contributing to global emission reduction targets. The trial aims to confirm the technology’s readiness for wider application, improve efficiency, and accelerate the adoption of green methanol as a maritime fuel.

Ralph Windeatt, Head of Business Development at ABP Group, said: “Our ports are already at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation as we play a pivotal role in enabling the energy transition. We are excited to support this project and look forward to working with consortium partners and our customers to evaluate our other port locations and help lay the foundations for a sustainable future.”

Neel Shah, CEO of PuriFire Energy, added: “Our purpose is to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy by providing green methanol solutions. We are committed to scaling our portfolio of unique technologies, while minimising environmental impact, driving positive change, and creating value for our stakeholders.”

David Cooper, Partnership Manager for Clean Maritime at ORE Catapult, commented: “With recent announcements from the International Maritime Organisation, the trajectory towards decarbonisation is now unmistakable. While the future fuel mix remains uncertain, pioneering projects like this are vital to shaping that future. At ORE Catapult we’re committed to contributing our market insight to help identify what could power the offshore renewable energy fleet, a key maritime sector, in the years ahead.”

The project is supported by CMDC 6, part of the UK SHORE program, which funds pre deployment trials and feasibility studies of clean maritime technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.