Phelan Green Hydrogen has selected Johnson Matthey's advanced technologies for a new commercial-scale eSAF (electric Sustainable Aviation Fuel) production facility in Saldanha Bay, South Africa. The project is slated to commence construction by the end of 2026. The initial phase is designed to yield approximately 35,000 tonnes of eSAF per year, primarily targeting the aviation markets in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Upon full development, the entire project is projected to exceed £2 billion in investment.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development signals a future shift in aviation fuel sourcing and potential new trade lanes for specialized fuels. The production of eSAF in South Africa for export to Europe and the UK could create new logistics demands for bulk liquid transport, potentially impacting tanker capacity and specialized handling requirements at ports. As airlines increasingly commit to decarbonization, the availability of eSAF will be crucial, influencing air cargo operations through potential fuel cost adjustments or mandates for sustainable fuel usage on certain routes. Forwarders should monitor the progress of such projects as they contribute to the broader sustainability agenda in air freight.
