In a landmark ceremony at the World Port Center, Evos Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have finalized a major expansion agreement to cement the port’s role as Europe’s premier hub for (low-carbon) methanol and ethanol. The project, which officially commenced this week, will add 67,500 cubic metres of specialized storage and a new dedicated jetty. This move directly addresses the surging demand for alternative marine fuels, following a record year where bio-methanol bunkering in Rotterdam nearly tripled to 12,000 tons.
Rotterdam | March 11, 2026 – The energy transition in Northern Europe reached a critical milestone this week as Evos Rotterdam commenced its major capacity expansion. This project is designed to bridge the gap between today’s industrial chemical demands and tomorrow’s zero-emission shipping requirements.
By integrating new storage assets with high-efficiency transfer infrastructure, Evos is ensuring that the Port of Rotterdam remains the most resilient and versatile bunker and industrial hub in the ARA Region (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp).
Technical Scope: Beyond Storage
The expansion is an end-to-end infrastructure overhaul designed for the high-turnover demands of the 2030s. Key technical components include:
- Five New Storage Tanks: Adding a combined gross capacity of 67,500 m³, bringing the terminal’s total capability to new heights.
- New Pump Station: Engineered for the rapid loading and unloading required by both sea-going vessels and inland barges.
- A Dedicated Jetty: To be constructed by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, this new berth will feature integrated shore power and the latest safety protocols for handling volatile biofuels.
- Operational Timeline: The full suite of assets is expected to be commissioned and operational by early 2028.
The Market Impact
This project targets three distinct growth pillars:
- Maritime Bunkering: Demand for low-carbon methanol as a marine fuel is projected to explode in the early 2030s. Rotterdam’s bio-methanol bunkering volumes tripled in 2025 alone; this expansion provides the physical volume needed for commercial-scale bunkering.
- Industrial Feedstock: Methanol remains a robust building block for the chemical industry, particularly for formaldehyde production. The new tanks will handle traditional markets while transitioning to bio- and e-methanol variants.
- Aviation & Road Transport: The ethanol expansion is a strategic play for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market, and as well as bunker market, where alcohol-based feedstocks are becoming essential.
A Shared Vision
Daan Vos, CEO of Evos said “It is a strategic investment by Evos that strengthens the role of our Rotterdam terminal as a leading hub for methanol and ethanol today, while preparing our infrastructure for the rapid scaleup of low-carbon marine fuels tomorrow. Our long-term ‘transition partnerships’ strategy is all about progress and shared wins. By developing this project in close partnership with the Port of Rotterdam, we are ahead of the curve to support our customers as the energy transition accelerates.”
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority said “Evos’ investment is an important step towards making the port more sustainable. By investing in the construction of a new jetty and quay wall, we are creating the essential infrastructure to enable the safe and efficient handling of cleaner fuels. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to the energy transition and ensures the Port remains resilient and future-proof, aligning with our climate-neutral ambitions for 2050.”
The Bunker Port
For bunker industry stakeholders, this expansion is a clear signal that Rotterdam is moving away from “pilot-scale” alternative fuels. By 2028, the terminal will be a high-velocity hub capable of meeting the mandates of FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS. With Evos’s footprint spanning 6.3 million m³ across Europe, this Rotterdam expansion serves as the flagship for the group’s “Transition Partnerships” model.
About the Port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam is a pivotal economic engine for the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, the Netherlands, and Europe. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and efficient hinterland connections, the port serves as a critical hub for international trade and industry. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is committed to the sustainable development, management, and operation of the port, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible handling of shipping. Its goal is to strengthen the port’s position as a future-proof logistics hub, focusing on quality, innovation, and the transition towards a climate-neutral port that aligns with its surrounding environment.
About Evos
Evos is a premier European provider of specialized storage infrastructure for liquid energy, sustainable fuels, and chemicals. The company operates a high-performance network of eight tank terminals strategically situated across six major maritime ports in five countries.
With a combined storage capacity of 6.3 million cubic metres, the Evos footprint is a critical link in the global supply chain, with key terminals located in:
- The Netherlands: Rotterdam, Amsterdam (2 terminals), and Terneuzen
- Belgium: Ghent
- Germany: Hamburg
- Spain: Algeciras
- Malta
Founded in 2019 and owned by investment funds managed by Igneo Infrastructure Partners, Evos is a long-term oriented asset manager dedicated to the energy transition. The company employs approximately 700 professionals across its network, focusing on “Transition Partnerships” that help industry and shipping customers scale up low-carbon energy solutions.
Source: Evos | The Port of Rotterdam