DNV is launching what it believes to be the industry’s first public tender portal for e-methanol procurement within the European Union and the UK.
The initiative connects a leading e-methanol producer with industrial offtakers across EU and UK markets, creating a new pathway to secure long-term, reliable supplies of this key low-carbon fuel.
As the global energy transition accelerates, DNV sees a growing demand for clean energy carriers that can decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like maritime. Among e-fuels, e-methanol stands out as a technically mature, scalable and commercially viable solution. Produced from renewable hydrogen and captured biogenic carbon, it supports compliance with key European regulatory frameworks, including RED III, Fit for 55, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, and contributes to achieving the IMO decarbonisation targets.
Across Europe, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) are becoming central to national decarbonisation strategies. Several member states (including Germany, Spain, France and Belgium) are adopting or proposing blending mandates that exceed EU-level targets, in some cases doubling or quadrupling the minimum thresholds. Meanwhile, constraints on biofuel feedstock and tightening regulations are putting upward pressure on prices and supply, highlighting the need for alternative renewable fuels to meet national and regional targets. However, sourcing reliable and verifiable supply remains a market barrier.
To bridge this gap, and acting on behalf of a European e-methanol producer, DNV has structured a transparent, competitive tender to secure long-term offtake agreements for upcoming RFNBO-certified volumes across the EU and UK. The tender enables companies to lock in reliable, price-stable, and regulation-compliant supply, ensuring predictability and alignment with future fuel mandates while reducing exposure to compliance risks. It is open to industrial users, maritime operators, traders, and other organizations committed to net-zero targets and sustainable sourcing.
Santiago Blanco, VP and Regional Director, DNV, said: “The technology for e-methanol exists, but the market mechanisms to scale it are still forming. 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 tender process consists of two stages:
- A non-binding qualification phase to identify a shortlist of serious potential offtakers.
- A second phase of direct negotiations between the shortlisted parties and the producer.
This structured approach enhances confidence for all participants and supports the establishment of e-methanol as a bankable commodity. The product offered will be fully compliant with RED III and the Delegated Acts governing RFNBO certification, with certification in place from project start. Production will take place with flexible delivery options to offtakers across the EU and UK with an expected start of delivery date in H2 2028.
Image: Santiago Blanco, VP and Regional Director, DNV (source: DNV)
