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Methanol

Energy to Transform

Methanol is a versatile energy source and raw material for shipping, industry and other energy-intensive applications. 

MB Energy combines the supply of biomethanol and e-methanol with procurement, logistics and infrastructure to create integrated solutions across the supply chain. 

Methanol Variants

Not all methanol is produced in the same way or has the same sustainability characteristics. In the new energy sector, MB Energy focuses in particular on biomethanol and e-methanol for future energy and fuel applications. 

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    e-Methanol

    e-Methanol is a synthetic fuel produced from renewable hydrogen and captured carbon.  

    MB Energy works with RFNBO-compliant e-Methanol solutions and supports customers in integrating them into future energy and supply concepts. 

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    Biomethanol

    Biomethanol is produced from biogenic raw materials and, depending on the production process and application, can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional alternatives.  

    MB Energy offers RED-compliant and ISCC-certified biomethanol solutions for a range of applications and supply chains. 

Methanol for various applications

The potential applications of methanol range from maritime fuel solutions and industrial processes to future pathways for synthetic aviation fuels. The requirements for the product, infrastructure and supply chain vary depending on the application. 

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Methanol for Shipping

Methanol is one of several alternative marine fuels being considered to support emission reductions in the shipping sector. For methanol-compatible vessels, it can offer a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the life cycle whilst relying on a liquid energy carrier with established logistics infrastructure. 

Biomethanol and e-methanol open up different supply routes and can play an important role in future fuel strategies for the shipping industry. 

Read more about our integrated solutions for shipping
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Industry

Methanol is a versatile feedstock used across the chemical and energy sectors. It serves as a key raw material in the production of a wide range of products, including formaldehyde, plastics, paints and adhesives, as well as fuel components such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and biodiesel. Depending on the feedstock, production pathway and application, renewable methanol can help reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with certain  industrial products and supply chains. 

Read more about our integrated solutions for industry
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Methanol for Aviation

Methanol can be used as a feedstock for synthetic aviation fuel production. Through the methanol-to-jet technology, methanol can serve as a feedstock for eSAF, thereby supporting the development of additional renewable and low-carbon aviation fuel pathways. 

Read more about our integrated solutions for aviation
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Regulatory Landscape for Maritime Transport

The maritime industry is facing a rapidly evolving regulatory environment as the EU's "Fit for 55" package introduces new measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key regulations such as FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), RED III and the proposed Energy Taxation Directive are increasing pressure on shipowners and operators to reduce the carbon intensity of their operations, manage emissions-related costs and incorporate greater volumes of renewable fuels into their energy mix.  

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How Methanol Can Support Compliance

Methanol is emerging as one potential pathway to support compliance with the evolving maritime regulatory framework. Biomethanol and e-methanol can help vessel operators reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, improve FuelEU Maritime performance, lower exposure to EU ETS-related carbon costs, and contribute towards broader decarbonisation objectives. Depending on the feedstock and production pathway, renewable methanol can offer lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions compared with conventional fossil marine fuels. In addition, RFNBO-compliant e-methanol benefits from a multiplier under FuelEU Maritime, allowing its energy contribution to be counted twice towards the vessel's compliance balance, further enhancing its value as a compliance solution.   

Methanol Supply, Logistics and Distribution 

Every methanol project is different. Factors such as fuel volumes, vessel types, locations, infrastructure availability, storage requirements and regulatory considerations mean there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. 

MB Energy works closely with customers to assess their specific requirements and develop practical supply and bunkering concepts. Whether through truck-to-ship deliveries, terminal-based solutions, barge operations or integrated logistics arrangements, we help identify the most suitable and scalable approach for each project. 

Drawing on our experience across procurement, logistics, storage and marine fuel supply, we support customers in establishing reliable methanol supply chains and bunkering operations across North-West Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic region, while supporting opportunities in other regions and markets as they emerge. 


What MB Energy offers 

  • Reliable supply of biomethanol with ISCC EU certification 
  • RFNBO-compliant e-methanol 
  • A consolidated methanol portfolio that can offer lifecycle GHG reductions compared with conventional fossil marine fuels, depending on feedstock and production pathway. 
  • Flexible procurement and portfolio solutions 
  • Storage, transport and distribution  
  • Supply for maritime, industrial and energy applications  
  • Methanol supply chain and handling expertise 
  • Development of tailored methanol supply and bunkering solutions 

Fueling the Future of Maritime Operations

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    MB Energy’s First Methanol Delivery Completed

    As part of its commitment to advancing alternative marine fuels, MB Energy successfully supplied renewable methanol to TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7 through a truck-to-ship delivery operation in Kiel. 
    The project demonstrated the practical application of methanol as a marine fuel and showcased MB Energy’s capability to manage complex fuel logistics, from sourcing and transportation to vessel delivery. 

    With experience in renewable fuels and bunkering solutions, MB Energy delivers alternative fuel solutions that support shipowners and operators in meeting evolving regulatory requirements. 

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    Retrofitting for Scale: MB Energy’s Hamburg-Blumensand Hub Methanol-Ready

    MB Energy plans to convert four existing petrol tanks at the Blumensand tank farm in the Port of Hamburg for the storage of methanol. The project has taken a positive final investment decision (FID) to build a planned total capacity of up to 20,000 cubic metres, the infrastructure is intended to support the import, storage and distribution of low-carbon methanol.  

    This will expand storage and handling capacity for methanol and support customers in the shipping, transport and industrial sectors. 

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Methanol and regulatory compliance

Methanol is one of several alternative fuel options being considered across the shipping and transport sectors. Companies operating in these sectors must also address evolving regulatory requirements and manage their emissions-related obligations. 
 
MB Energy combines alternative fuel solutions with complementary services relating to EU emission allowance (EUA) trading and supports companies in meeting applicable compliance requirements, including those arising under BEHG, EU ETS1 and EU ETS2.

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Contact

Talk to us about methanol supply 

Would you like to source biomethanol or e-methanol, set up a future supply, or discuss suitable methanol solutions for your application?  

Our New Energy team will help you plan the right supply solution.

Contact the New Energy team at sustainablefuels@mbenergy.com



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FAQ

What is methanol?

Methanol is a liquid alcohol that can be used both as a chemical feedstock and as an energy source and fuel. Its origin and sustainability characteristics vary depending on the production method. 

What is biomethanol?

Biomethanol is produced using biogenic raw materials. Depending on the production method and certification, it can be an alternative to conventionally produced methanol. 

What is e-methanol?

e-methanol is synthetically produced methanol. Renewable hydrogen and carbon dioxide can be used as feedstocks for its production. 

Can methanol be used as marine fuel?

Methanol can be used as a marine fuel in propulsion systems designed for this purpose or adapted accordingly. Biomethanol and e-methanol are playing an increasingly important role in future fuel strategies. 

What is Methanol-to-Jet?

Methanol-to-jet refers to a production process in which methanol is used as a feedstock for the production of synthetic aviation fuels.