Mabanaft has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TUI Cruises, outlining plans for the supply of green methanol in the future. The collaboration commences with a methanol delivery for TUI's newest vessel - Mein Schiff 7.
The partnership aims to enhance the environmental sustainability of the cruise industry. With the commissioning of Mein Schiff 7 in June 2024, TUI Cruises will introduce a cruise ship capable of utilizing methanol, including green methanol in the future, for propulsion. This initiative facilitates the decarbonization of the ship's propulsion system. TUI Cruises plans to incorporate additional dual-fuel methanol-ready cruise ships into its fleet in Germany in the coming years.
Mabanaft Group, a provider of transportation fuels and operator of tank terminals across Germany, Denmark, and Hungary, intends to expand its marine fuel offerings with methanol and other hydrogen derivatives from renewable sources. This initiative supports its customers in accelerating their decarbonization efforts. To meet the methanol demand of TUI Cruises and others, Mabanaft plans to develop storage and bunkering infrastructure in Hamburg and potentially other ports.
The MoU marks the inception of a strategic partnership between Mabanaft and TUI, with Mabanaft committed to fulfilling TUI's methanol requirements in Northern Germany and potentially other European ports in the future. The company aims for a gradual transition to synthetic e-methanol as part of this collaboration.