MB Energy and TUI Cruises complete methanol bunkering trial of “Mein Schiff 7”
MB Energy has successfully completed a methanol bunkering trial of TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7 at the Ostseekai Cruise Terminal in the Port of Kiel. The operation marks an important operational step in the companies’ cooperation on lower carbon marine fuels and underlines MB Energy’s ambition to support the maritime sector’s transition to more sustainable operations.
As part of this delivery, approximately 25 cubic metres of methanol from renewable feedstocks were supplied to the vessel. The fuel will be used primarily for boiler operations on board. The logistic company Johs. Martens, acting on behalf of MB Energy, handled the trucking and physical delivery of the methanol to the vessel at the terminal. The delivery also reflected the project’s forward-looking approach: the truck used for transport was fuelled with HVO 100, a more future-oriented alternative to conventional diesel.
By safely and reliably supplying methanol to a large passenger vessel with around 2,900 guests on board and multiple simultaneous operations at the pier, MB Energy and TUI Cruises have jointly demonstrated system readiness for this mode of delivery. This proof of concept provides valuable operational experience should further projects be considered in the future.
“The operation shows that lower carbon fuels like methanol from renewable feedstocks can already be integrated into cruise operations in a safe and reliable way,” says Jonathan Perkins, CEO from MB Energy. “Together with TUI Cruises and our logistics partner Johs. Martens, we are proving that the infrastructure and expertise are in place to support carbon reduced ways of shipping.” The methanol bunkering in Kiel showcases MB Energy’s ability to deliver end-to-end, tailor-made fuel solutions for high-profile customers – from sourcing and storage through to transport and final delivery at the quay. It also highlights the company’s growing capabilities in handling methanol for major clients in northern Europe.
MB Energy is currently developing its storage infrastructure in Hamburg-Blumensand to be “methanol-ready”, enabling the supply of larger volumes of lower carbon ammonia and methanol to maritime customers in the future. Hamburg and Kiel will serve as the company’s primary operational hubs in northern Germany, with the flexibility and ambition to also supply other European ports.
“By combining our own storage infrastructure with integrated logistics, we can offer customers a reliable and uninterrupted methanol supply,” adds Jonathan Perkins. “Our first bunkering with ‘Mein Schiff 7’ is a strong signal of what is possible when shipowners, ports and energy providers work together.”
Jörg Umann, Director Strategic Planning, Treasury, IR and Fuel at TUI Cruises: “For TUI Cruises, this project provided valuable operational experience with the supply and handling of certified renewable methanol under real operating conditions. While the methanol from renewable feedstocks supplied during this operation is used for boiler operations rather than propulsion, projects like this help us better understand how alternative fuels can contribute to reducing emissions as part of a broader carbon reduction strategy.”
About MB Energy
The MB Energy Group, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Hamburg, is an independent, integrated energy company with operations across Europe, the United States, and Singapore. The company engages in the import, storage, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products, LPG, chemicals, and biofuels. With decades of industry experience and forward-looking approach, MB Energy plays an active role in the global energy landscape and supports the transition to lower emissions fuels through the development and provision of future-oriented alternatives.
About TUI Cruises
TUI Cruises GmbH is one of the leading cruise companies in the German-speaking countries. The joint venture company made up of TUI AG and the US cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd employs a staff of around 750 in Hamburg and Berlin. A fleet of nine ships sail for the Mein Schiff brand (Mein Schiff 1 to Mein Schiff 7) as well as Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow. (Bed capacity: 26,800). The Mein Schiff fleet offers modern holiday cruises at sea in the premium segment. Since the end of 2020, the brand Hapag-Lloyd Cruises with its fleet of currently five ships is also part of TUI Cruises GmbH. The fleet includes the two luxury cruise ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2 as well as the HANSEATIC Class expedition ships. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading cruise brand in the luxury and expedition segment in the German-speaking countries with a history dating back 130 years.
