PuriFire Energy and X-Press Feeders have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to explore the development and supply of green bio-methanol for the shipping sector.
The agreement outlines plans for X-Press Feeders to potentially offtake between 10,000 and 15,000 metric tons per year of bio-methanol from PuriFire’s planned production facilities. The companies will also assess opportunities to co-develop larger port-based production sites across the UK and Europe.
The move reflects ongoing efforts within the maritime sector to scale up the availability of low-carbon fuels, particularly green methanol, where supply remains limited compared with rising demand.
Both companies were previously part of the same consortium under the UK government-backed Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), and the LOI is intended to support further commercialization of PuriFire’s technology.
PuriFire’s hydrothermal gasification process converts wastewater and waste carbon into fuels such as bio-methanol and biomethane. The company said the system can be deployed close to demand centers, supporting a more decentralized production model.
The partners said they will explore the development of a distributed fuel supply chain aligned with X-Press Feeders’ operations. This includes the potential for port-based facilities designed to supply vessels directly, reducing reliance on spot-market fuel procurement.
The agreement comes as regulatory pressure increases on shipping to cut emissions. The European Union’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into effect in January 2025, sets greenhouse gas reduction targets for vessels calling at EU ports, starting at 2% and rising to 80% by 2050.
Neel Shah, the CEO of PuriFire Energy, said the agreement demonstrates demand for alternative fuels within the sector. “Working with the world’s largest independent feeder carrier validates demand for our technology at the highest level and provides a clear roadmap for deploying bio-methanol production where it’s needed most,” he stated.
Shivendu Gadkar, head of fleet efficiency and performance at X-Press Feeders, added, “The success of our decarbonization strategy depends on access to and availability of cost-effective green fuels at scale. PuriFire’s technology, which produces bio-methanol directly from wastewater, represents exactly the kind of innovation the industry needs.”
In related news, Wärtsilä to supply systems for ammonia-fueled gas carriers