Maersk enters agreements to boost green methanol output

Spanish Market: Biofuels, Hydrogen, Oil products, Petrochemicals
10/03/22

Shipping line Maersk is forming partnerships with six companies to boost global capacity of green methanol and source at least 730,000 t/yr of the fuel by the end of 2025.

The six partners include Hong Kong-based CIMC ENRIC, Chinese Green Technology Bank (GTB), renewable energy company European Energy, Danish utility Orsted, methanol producer Proman and US-based methanol producer WasteFuel.

CIMC ENRIC will develop biomethanol projects for Maersk in China, with the first phase of the project scheduled to produce 50,000 t/yr of biomethanol from 2024 and the second phase expected to produce 200,000 t/yr with the start date to be determined. The fuel will be produced from agricultural residues and Maersk said it intends to offtake the full volume produced.

GTB will also facilitate the development of biomethanol projects in China, with the first planned to produce 50,000 t/yr from 2024 and the second planned to have a capacity to produce 300,000 t/yr at a start date to be determined.

WasteFuel is developing a biomethanol project in South America that will produce over 30,000 t/yr starting in 2024, with Maersk planning to offtake the full volume produced.

And Proman will supply Maersk with 100,000-150,000 t/yr of green methanol form its development facility in North America. The project will be built by Proman with a target start of operations in 2025, producing biomethanol from non-recyclable forestry residues and municipal solid waste.

European Energy will develop e-methanol projects in Latin America and the US and will have a capacity to produce up to 200,000-300,000 t/yr of the fuel starting in 2025-26. Orsted will also develop an e-methanol project in the US that will have capacity to produce 300,000 t/yr from 2025. Maersk intends to offtake the full volume produced by both companies. E-methanol is produced by combining renewable hydrogen from electrolysis with CO2 captured from industrial processes.

"With this production capacity, by the end of 2025 at the latest, Maersk will reach well beyond the green methanol needed for the first 12 green container vessels currently on order," the company said.

Maersk last year ordered the first methanol-fuelled container ship for delivery in mid-2023 and eight larger methanol-fuelled container ships for delivery in 2024.

By Giulia Squadrin

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13/04/25

Keystone oil pipeline to restart by 15 April

Houston, 13 April (Argus) — The 622,000 b/d Keystone crude pipeline is expected to resume service by 15 April, following a leak in North Dakota that shut deliveries last week. Calgary-based pipeline operator South Bow said the repair and replacement of the leaking section of pipe was taking place over the weekend. Once the company meets the terms of a corrective action order (CAO) issued by the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), it will be able to resume service. The pipeline has been off line since early on 8 April, when a leak was discovered in a rural field near Kathryn, North Dakota. An estimated 3,500 bl of crude was released but did not appear to have reached any waterways. "Keystone is targeting restoration of service and energy deliveries by Tuesday April 15, 2025, under the requirements of the CAO," South Bow said. "South Bow will require approval from PHMSA prior to restarting the pipeline." Under the CAO, South Bow must run metallurgical testing of the failed section of pipe, conduct a root cause analysis and meet other requirements. The pipeline system will also have to comply with certain pressure restrictions on Canadian sections of the line. The Keystone system is a major route for Canadian heavy crude destined for both the US midcontinent and the US Gulf coast, delivering about 15pc of the roughly 4mn b/d that the US imports from its northern neighbor. The line runs from the Canadian production and storage hub at Hardisty, Alberta, to Steele City, Nebraska, before splitting in two to head toward Illinois and the Gulf coast. Discounts for Western Canadian Select (WCS) at Hardisty to the CMA Nymex narrowed at the end of last week despite the shutdown, because of low inventories in Hardisty and open pipeline space on Canadian crude pipelines, including Enbridge's 3mn b/d Mainline system to the US midcontinent and the 890,000 b/d Trans Mountain pipeline to the Canadian Pacific coast. Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Recycled resin importers caught in tariff uncertainty

11/04/25

Recycled resin importers caught in tariff uncertainty

Houston, 11 April (Argus) — US President Donald Trump's evolving tariff policies have created tremendous uncertainty for US importers of recycled polymers, and constant halts and flip-flopping from the administration have led some to pause their US operations. Multiple importers told Argus that the constantly changing US tariffs on goods have upended business plans, and forced them to pause their US operations for the time being due to uncertainty about the taxes their material will face when it reaches US shores. "You have to have some confidence that conditions will hold in order to import," one trader told Argus . Trump's tariff rollout began on 1 February, when he announced that China would face a 10pc universal tariff, and the US's two largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada, would face 25pc universal tariffs. At the time, market participants speculated that the 25pc tariffs on Canada and Mexico would make operations and sales more expensive for Mexican and Canadian recyclers, particularly those that trade bales or finished resin across the US border. After some negotiations between world leaders, the tariffs on Canada and Mexico were delayed for 30 days, though the 10pc tariff on China went into effect as planned. The 25pc universal tariffs on Canada and Mexico were pushed back again on 6 March, but tariffs on aluminum — a significant competitor to rPET packaging — went into place on 12 March. The tariffs on aluminum have not been rescinded or paused, and the extra cost for imported aluminum as a result of the tariff could incentivize US consumer goods companies to use more PET in their packaging. On 9 April, the US put into place varying reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries that export recycled resin to the US, including India, Malaysia and Vietnam. While rPET and vPET pellets were excluded from the reciprocal tariffs, importers of rPE, rPP and PET waste were not excluded from the tariff. The same day, the reciprocal tariffs were pushed back 90 days in favor of a 10pc universal tariff that excludes Canada and Mexico. China and the US's reciprocal tariffs have escalated into a trade war, and currently material from China faces a 145pc tariff. Since the price is too high for most importers to be willing to pay, in essence all recycled resin imports from China are halted. China is one of the largest buyers of US virgin polyethylene https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2675420), and the current trade war with China has the potential to increase domestic supply as exporters are forced to find new buyers for resin. Increased competition from oversupplied virgin resin could pull down recycled resin pricing. Until some stability in tariff policy returns to the US, traders and importers will continue to turn to other destinations outside the US to sell their recycled resin. By Zach Kluver Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Mexico suspends Valero fuel import permits

11/04/25

Mexico suspends Valero fuel import permits

Mexico City, 11 April (Argus) — Mexico's tax authority SAT on 9 April suspended US refiner Valero's fuel import permits, the company said today. The company did not specify why its import license was suspended. "Valero is addressing each administrative observation noted in the suspension to clarify the issues. Additionally, [authorities] mistakenly stated that the company does not have valid import permits, which is incorrect since the permits are valid through 2038," the company said. When consulted, Valero told Argus it has no further information to share at this time. In Mexico, Valero holds gasoline, diesel and jet fuel import permits valid through 2038. The company is one of only a handful of private-sector companies with such permits. Shell, Marathon and ExxonMobil hold permits to import only gasoline and diesel. Valero is the leading private fuel importer in Mexico. On 9 April, its sales accounted for 10pc of Mexico's gasoline and diesel demand, according to the company. Private-sector companies started importing fuel into Mexico in 2016 after the market opened to more competition, but under former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration, the energy ministry (Sener) cancelled dozens of fuel import permits. Valero is cooperating with the Mexican government and has recently joined a voluntary price cap agreement to keep regular gasoline below Ps24/l ($4.45/USG), the company said, adding that it "implements rigorous traceability and security controls throughout its supply chain." The company stores fuel at four private-sector terminals in Mexico, with over 4mn bl of capacity. The company is also expected to start storing fuel at the new 1.1mn bl OTM terminal in Altamira, Tamaulipas, in the near future. By Cas Biekmann Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Renovabio: Usinas alertam distribuidoras inadimplentes

11/04/25

Renovabio: Usinas alertam distribuidoras inadimplentes

Sao Paulo, 11 April (Argus) — Grandes grupos do setor sucroalcooleiro começaram a alertar clientes de que poderão deixar de fornecer etanol a distribuidoras em desconformidade com a Política Nacional de Biocombustíveis (Renovabio) e normas da Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP). As informações foram confirmadas à Argus participantes do mercado, entre traders , corretores e funcionários da área de inteligência de mercado de companhias do setor de distribuição, que dizem que as comunicações começaram no fim de março. Segundo as fontes, que falaram sob a condição de anonimato, Atvos, Evolua e Raízen teriam começado a comunicar distribuidoras inadimplentes em suas metas de aposentadoria de créditos de descarbonização (Cbios) de que elas correm o risco de não poder mais adquirir etanol via contratos de fornecimento de longo prazo, regidos pela resolução nº 946/2023 (que modificou a antiga 67/2011) da ANP. Todas as companhias citadas foram procuradas pela Argus, mas decidiram não comentar sobre o assunto ou não responderam até o fechamento desta reportagem. A movimentação das usinas vem com o fim da carência de 90 dias para a entrada em vigor de pontos da nova lei que endurece punições contra distribuidoras inadimplentes (Lei nº 15.082/2024). A norma, apesar de sancionada no fim de 2024, ainda não foi regulamentada pelo governo federal. A lei determina que o descumprimento das metas individuais estabelecidas pelo Conselho Nacional de Política Energética (CNPE) constitua crime ambiental e leve à revogação da autorização para o exercício de atividade do distribuidor, além da cobrança de multa, que pode chegar a R$500 milhões. Ela também proíbe agentes da cadeia de comercializar com essas empresas nesta situação. Mas a aplicação imediata de parte das sanções enfrenta obstáculos legais. Em resposta a questionamentos feitos pela ANP, representantes da Procuradoria Federal junto à autarquia reforçaram entendimento de que a nova lei não deve retroagir. Isso significa que sanções mais duras só valeriam para metas não cumpridas a partir do ciclo de 2025, sendo aplicadas apenas em 2026. Apesar da limitação para o enforcement imediato por parte do regulador, os grandes grupos do setor de açúcar e etanol já começaram a se movimentar para cumprir com suas obrigações legais. Segundo fontes, uma primeira medida estaria relacionada ao fechamento dos próximos contratos de fornecimento, que vão de 1º de junho de um ano a 31 de maio do ano subsequente e vinculariam o fornecimento à situação das distribuidoras compradoras. Batalha jurídica Das 160 distribuidoras com metas estabelecidas no Renovabio, 60 iniciaram o ciclo de 2025 com menos Cbios aposentados do que deveriam. Destas, 13 já entraram na Justiça contra o programa e hoje mantêm alguma decisão liminar favorável às suas causas, segundo dados disponibilizados pela própria autarquia. Raízen e Evolua, líderes do setor sucroalcooleiro no Centro-Sul, são joint-ventures entre produtores e as distribuidoras Shell e Vibra ‒ ambas em conformidade com o Renovabio e críticas às distorções provocadas por distribuidoras regionais inadimplentes. Segundo dados da ANP, as 3 maiores distribuidoras do país têm sofrido com uma perda de participação de mercado nos últimos anos, saindo de um total de 66pc em 2022 para 62pc em 2024. Parte do movimento é justificado por elas pelo não atendimento de empresas concorrentes ao Renovabio e alegadas fraudes no cumprimento do mandato de mistura de biodiesel no diesel. Neste período de 2 anos, o share somado das 5 maiores inadimplentes em Cbios avançou de 5,5pc para 6,5pc. A Associação Nacional de Distribuidores de Combustíveis (ANDC), que representa distribuidoras regionais de pequeno e médio porte, protocolou, em fevereiro, petição à ANP denunciando a atitude de alguns fornecedores de biocombustíveis de recusar a venda de produto. O grupo argumenta que "o poder de polícia cabe ao poder público" e que a atitude das produtoras "fere a defesa da ordem econômica". Na ocasião, o órgão regulador respondeu que as listas divulgadas por ela com as distribuidoras que respondem a processos administrativos sancionadores "não podem ainda ser consideradas para fins de restrição no suprimento de combustíveis", já que a nova lei dos Cbios ainda não foi regulamentada. A ANDC reclama de "falta de participação social" nas discussões sobre a regulamentação do Renovabio e no próprio comitê governamental do programa. A associação diz que, depois dessas movimentações, não observou casos de produtores de biocombustíveis negando a venda de produto para distribuidoras. Por Amance Boutin e Marcos Mortari Envie comentários e solicite mais informações em feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Todos os direitos reservados.

Participants mostly support IMO GHG pricing mechanism

11/04/25

Participants mostly support IMO GHG pricing mechanism

London, 11 April (Argus) — International shipping organisations and market participants mostly support the global greenhouse gas (GHG) pricing mechanism approved today at the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting, but some raised concerns. The structure approved by the IMO establishes that ships must reduce their fuel intensity by a "base target" of 4pc in 2028 against 93.3 gCO2e/MJ, the latter representing the average GHG fuel intensity value of international shipping in 2008. Emissions above this target will be charged at $380/tCO2e. The levels defined by the approved regulation are achievable, according to a market participant, who said the gradually increasing targets may allow the market to properly adapt to the transition. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) secretary general Guy Platten said the sector is already investing billions of dollars in 'green' technology, so the agreement gives certainty that sustainable marine fuels producers need. "The world's governments have now come forward with a comprehensive agreement which, although not perfect in every respect, we very much hope will be formally adopted later this year," he said. The European Shipowners (ECSA) secretary general Sotiris Raptis agreed the draft "is not perfect", but he celebrated progress towards a net zero emissions target, saying "it is a good starting point for further work" and pointing out that it may ensure the necessary investment in production of clean fuels. During a press briefing, IMO secretary general Arsenio Dominguez said ships operating in international waters will be obliged to comply with the regulations after adoption, despite the US' refusal to engage with the discussions . Adoption of the pricing mechanism will be discussed and voted on in October. Offering a counterview, the Global Maritime Forum said the agreed measures may not be strong enough to reach IMO targets. "The GHG intensity targets create uncertainty as to whether the strategy's emissions reduction checkpoints for 2030 and 2040 will be met," it said. "As currently designed, measures are unlikely to be sufficient to incentivise the rapid development of e-fuels such as e-ammonia or e-methanol , which will be needed in the long run due to their scalability and emission reduction potential." It said that failure to invest in these fuels would put at risk the target of at least 5pc zero- and near-zero emission fuel use by 2030 and the industry's entire 2050 net-zero goal. The World Shipping Council's vice president Bryan Wood-Thomas praised the agreement and said one benefit of it is the pricing system that is "more aggressive" if a vessel fails to meet the GHG intensity standard. "But you also have a fee system that gives investors more confidence in actual revenue [from using cleaner fuels]," he said. The Brazilian representative told Argus the fact that some countries thought the agreement was too ambitious while others indicated it was not ambitious enough show the group may have reached a balance that can be possible to comply. About the Brazilian position, the representative said the country "was never against an agreement". "We were only against some aspects of the agreement, and we think that the membership has heard our concerns, and that's why we ended up pretty happy with the results", he said. Brazil voted in favour of the agreement today. By Hussein Al-Khalisy, Madeleine Jenkins, Natália Coelho, and Gabriel Tassi Lara. Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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