Whilst the tanks are due to be retrofitted from mid-2025, methanol storage is scheduled to commence in 2027. Mabanaft intends to import the methanol itself and to store and distribute it in Germany and possibly at other locations. By deciding to apply for the necessary permits in January this year, the company has set the course for this multi-million investment. A prerequisite for the project is the successful completion of a permit application process with the Hamburg Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA).
Conversion of the tanks in two stages
The four tanks to be converted have a total capacity of around 20,000 cubic metres. Subject to the necessary permits being granted, the conversion is to take place in two stages: the first two tanks by mid-2026, and the other two tanks by 2027.
Low-carbon solutions for different customer needs
Mabanaft is working with both existing and new customers to develop the most suitable solutions for decarbonising their own fuel requirements: “CO₂-reduced methanol can be produced in various ways: through e-methanol synthesis using renewable electricity and captured CO₂, through biomethanol production from biomass, or through the production of so-called blue methanol from natural gas with carbon capture and storage,” explains Joost Vespermann, Business Developer in the Sustainable Fuels division at Mabanaft. He adds: “Depending on regional regulatory requirements and customer preferences, all these types of low-carbon methanol will be used in the future.”
Shipping as the primary market for methanol
“There is no single solution for sustainable fuels in shipping,” says Oleksandr Siromakha, Head of Sustainable Fuels at Mabanaft. “That is why we are committed to offering our customers a wide range of options tailored to their needs – both now and in the future. In addition to conventional fuels, we already offer biofuels and intend to add further bespoke solutions such as hydrogen, ammonia and methanol to our range.” He adds: “Our aim is to ease the transition for our customers by making methanol and other alternative fuels more readily available. The challenges of decarbonisation are enormous. We are here to support our customers every step of the way.”
In Europe in particular, Mabanaft is helping cruise lines and other players in the shipping sector to utilise methanol. In addition to shipping, the company also intends to offer methanol in other areas of the transport industry – for example, as a petrol additive – as well as in the chemical industry. In January 2024, Mabanaft signed a memorandum of understanding to supply green methanol to TUI Cruises.
The Mabanaft Group is a leading independent and integrated energy company that offers its customers tailor-made energy solutions in the transport, heating, industrial and agricultural sectors. The Group is active in the import, distribution and marketing of petroleum products, natural gas liquids, chemicals and biofuels, and supports its customers in the transition to cleaner fuels by offering alternative long-term solutions.
