RFOcean and ETFuels sign binding long term e-methanol offtake
In Norway, RFOcean said on February 24 it has signed a binding long term offtake agreement with ETFuels to purchase fixed price e-methanol from 2030, linking future fuel supply to the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation that entered into force in 2025.
FuelEU Maritime imposes escalating penalties on ship operators that fail to reduce the carbon intensity of their fleets. RFOcean, a fully integrated European chemical tanker operator, has ordered eight diesel electric, methanol ready vessels for regional trade and said the agreement ensures access to compliant fuel at predictable prices once deliveries begin.
Chief executive Frederik Rye-Florentz said the move is commercially driven, citing expectations that compliant fuel could be scarce as regulatory pressure increases.
ETFuels, which is developing large scale e-methanol projects in Europe and the United States, will supply the fuel under the fully executed contract. The companies described the agreement as bankable and structured to support project finance, rather than a memorandum of understanding or letter of intent.
ETFuels chief executive Lara Naqushbandi said the transaction shows that regulatory clarity can translate into firm commercial commitments, adding that any weakening of EU green fuel standards could undermine investment momentum.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
