In February 2025, our project partner Fundación Valenciaport hosted a port decarbonization workshop aimed at exploring innovative pathways for the adoption of e-methanol as a renewable fuel in maritime transport.
As part of this initiative, the POSEIDON Project was showcased by Daniel García Galindo, R&D Manager at project partner AVEBIOM, who emphasized the transformative role of biomass and biogenic CO₂ in reducing the carbon footprint of the maritime sector. Given that the industry consumes 40 million tonnes of fuel oils and LPG annually, the potential for sustainable alternatives is immense.
Unlocking the potential of biomass and biogenic CO₂
Daniel explained that Europe holds the capability to mobilize 1,000 million tonnes of biomass, ensuring a supply volume up to eight times higher than current fuel consumption. Furthermore, over 300 million tonnes of neutral biogenic CO₂—sourced from bioethanol, biogas, bioelectric plants, and industrial processes—can be captured and repurposed to produce renewable methanol. This enables the generation of e-fuels like e-methanol, with production capacities reaching 2.5 times the current demand.
Together with Jan Wilske from TERGY SAGAVA, Daniel highlighted that while bioenergy offers the most viable short-term alternative, the integration of e-fuels remains critical for achieving full decarbonization—not only within the maritime industry but across the broader economy.
POSEIDON’s role in advancing sustainable maritime fuels
As an initiative aligned with this vision, POSEIDON is dedicated to optimizing synthetic methanol production. The project focuses on harnessing two CO₂ capture routes: Biogas from wastewater treatment plants and Industrial process emissions.
The resulting technology will be assessed in two- and four-stroke engines and pilot vessels, enabling comprehensive evaluation of its technical, economic, environmental, and social impact.
A broader vision for maritime decarbonization
Beyond POSEIDON, Fundación Valenciaport presented six additional initiatives aimed at accelerating decarbonization and energy transition within ports. These efforts underscore the importance of collaboration among industry stakeholders, fostering innovative solutions that integrate renewable energy into both port and maritime operations.
With the modernization of fleets and the incorporation of e-methanol, which is expected to have a strong presence by 2030, the path towards cleaner and more efficient maritime transport continues to expand. This progress is mirrored in other sectors with similar fuel consumption, such as aviation.
