DNV Launches Europe’s First Public e‑Methanol Tender Portal for EU and UK

DNV has launched the industry’s first public tender portal for e-methanol procurement across the EU and the UK. 

This creates a transparent competitive tender structure on behalf of a European e-methanol producer to secure long-term offtake agreements for RFNBO-certified volumes.

The platform aims to help industrial users, maritime operators, traders and other organisations lock in reliable, price-stable, and regulation-compliant supply that aligns with RED III and the Delegated Acts governing RFNBO certification. 

Physical delivery is expected to begin in the second half of 2028 across the UK and Europe.

DNV designed the tender as a two‑stage process. The first stage is a non‑binding qualification phase to verify serious potential offtakers. Shortlisted parties enter the second stage for direct negotiations with the producer.

The tender addresses three of methanol’s main market barriers: constrained supply volumes, limited bunkering infrastructure and weak demand signals that discourage investment in production capacity. 

By offering a neutral, competitive forum, DNV intends to reduce procurement risk and give buyers a clearer pathway to secure e‑methanol that meets future fuel mandates.

“The technology for e‑methanol exists, but the market mechanisms to scale it are still forming,” said vice‑president and regional director at DNV, Santiago Blanco. “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”.

The portal could send an important demand signal to producers and investors at a time when shipping lines are increasing orders for dual‑fuel methanol vessels but face uncertainty over fuel availability, cost and regulatory compliance.

The tender is open to organisations committed to net-zero targets and sustainable sourcing and is positioned to support industry and shipping as they respond to evolving EU regulatory frameworks such as RED III and FuelEU Maritime. These together create stronger commercial incentives for RFNBO supply in Europe.

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