The European Union has been a driving force for maritime decarbonisation. The methane pathway is uniquely positioned to bring this ambition to reality.

Offering a clear, proven route from LNG today, through biomethane, to e-methane, each step delivers measurable emissions reductions without waiting for tomorrow’s infrastructure.

With proven greenhouse gas and local emissions reductions, existing bunkering networks already in place, and growing EU regulatory support, methane can deliver both decarbonisation and energy security – now and into the future.

Download our latest fact sheet to explore how the methane pathway supports the EU’s clean industrial ambitions.

What is the methane pathway?

The methane, or methane decarbonisation, pathway refers to the pathway to net-zero based upon utilising the properties of the methane (CH4) molecule to power deep-sea shipping. This pathway is especially important for hard-to-decarbonise industries such as deep-sea shipping for which electrification is not a viable option for the foreseeable future. For deep-sea shipping, the pathway is based upon cutting local and some GHG emissions today by converting to clean LNG from traditional heavy fuel oils and steadily increasing the share of renewable biomethane and e-methane in future years.

How does the methane pathway compare to other fuels for shipping?

The methane pathway is a better solution for low emissions shipping because the bunkering infrastructure already exists, the fuel is proven operationally from a commercial and safety perspective, and as an almost pure single molecule (CH4) fuel. Swapping fossil-derived LNG for liquefied biomethane and e-methane requires no modification and does not carry blending risks associated with some other biofuels. In short, methane is the practical and realistic option today.

How can the methane pathway contribute to Clean Industrial Deal?

EU production of biomethane in 2024 increased by 21% year on year, representing about 7% of total European gas demand. Increasing production of biomethane boosts both EU industrial capacity and reduces GHG emissions by replacing fossil-derived methane in transportation and heavy industry. e-methane production is at an early stage in Europe with 35 projects in operation, accounting for about 2,800 GWh production pa, with a further 20 plants under development.

How can the methane pathway strengthen resilience and contribute to energy security in Europe?

Fossil-derived LNG is a globally produced and traded commodity with the largest exporters USA, Australia and Qatar being allied to the EU. African production of LNG is also expanding. In the medium term the potential to grow domestic biogas and biomethane production is huge. By 2040 the sector could deliver approximately 101 bcm of biomethane to the EU, covering more than 80% of gas consumption3, making a major contribution to EU energy security.

How can the methane pathway help make Europe more competitive?

Methane, unlike other alternative marine fuels, can be moved into and across the EU via the existing EU natural gas infrastructure. The EU can assist competitiveness by ensuring European industries and maritime transport have access to sufficient amounts of biomethane and e-methane irrespective of where it has been produced (inside or outside the EU).

How can the EU encourage and support investment in bio-methane and e-methane technologies and fuels, and address the supply and affordability challenges?

The EU should prioritise funding for low and zero carbon maritime fuels production including liquefied biomethane and e-methane. It should also uphold technology neutrality and performance-based decarbonisation targets. Policymakers should set the clear targets and enable business and industry to choose the most efficient way of reaching them.

The EU should ensure that EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime align with evolving IMO measures, avoiding overlap or duplication, to streamline compliance, prevent double regulation, and achieve decarbonisation more efficiently and fairly, with the EU focusing on driving effective global implementation and ambition at IMO.

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