A Multi Player Approach
Towngas through its joint venture VENEX has signed a strategic agreement with Veolia and SIPG Energy to deliver a complete green methanol value chain. The trio combines production competence, environmental engineering knowhow, and extensive port infrastructure to accelerate low carbon fuel adoption across Chinese maritime corridors.
How the Ecosystem Will Function
The roadmap covers every step required to move renewable carbon from source to ship:
VENEX will produce green methanol at inland facilities using renewable electricity and captured biogenic carbon dioxide. 2. Veolia will provide local energy solutions, including storage terminals and quality control laboratories that assure international fuel standards. 3. SIPG will integrate bunkering infrastructure within Shanghai Port and other coastal hubs, offering reliable fueling services for oceangoing and river vessels.
Coordinating these elements under one framework shortens project lead time and simplifies certification. Importantly, the partners intend to share digital dashboards that give customers real time visibility of carbon intensity for every delivered tonne.
Non-Obvious Advantage of Joint Development
A key but less discussed benefit is inventory pooling. By treating the three networks as one virtual tank farm, operators can buffer seasonal demand swings without expanding individual storage sites. This avoids large capital expenditure on redundant tanks and minimizes land use within already congested port areas.
Implications for Global Shipping
Green methanol capable vessels are entering service faster than bunkering capacity in many regions. The new alliance therefore positions Shanghai as an early mover able to attract eco minded carriers and reinforce its status as a top global port. Lessons learned will form a transferable template for other Asian hubs wishing to replicate the model.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Towngas Veolia and SIPG demonstrates how coordinated investment across production and distribution can unlock rapid maritime decarbonisation while delivering operational efficiencies for fuel producers and vessel owners alike.