Mabanaft has announced plans to develop methanol storage capabilities at its Blumensand terminal to facilitate the import and distribution of low-carbon methanol in northern Germany. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting its customers’ transition to greener alternatives. The demand for methanol is expected to grow across various sectors, including shipping, transportation, and the chemical industry.

The project involves a multi-million-euro investment, with retrofitting of tanks scheduled to begin in mid-2025 and methanol storage operations expected to start in 2027. Mabanaft will import, store, and distribute the methanol within Germany and potentially to other markets. The project is subject to approval by the Hamburg Authority of Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA), with the application process initiated in January 2024.

Photo Copyright: Mabanaft

Two-Stage Conversion of Tanks
The project will retrofit four tanks with a total capacity of approximately 20,000 cubic metres. The conversion will occur in two phases: the first two tanks are planned for completion by mid-2026, followed by the remaining tanks in 2027.

Low-Carbon Methanol Solutions
Mabanaft is collaborating with existing and new customers to develop decarbonised fuel solutions, including various types of low-carbon methanol. These include:

• E-methanol, synthesised using renewable electricity and captured CO2.
• Biomethanol, produced from biomass.
• Blue methanol, derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage.

“These solutions cater to regional legislation and customer preferences, helping to address decarbonisation challenges,” explained Joost Vespermann, business developer in Mabanaft’s Sustainable Fuels division.

Shipping: A Key Market for Methanol
Methanol is a critical option for sustainable fuels in the shipping industry. Oleksandr Siromakha, Head of Sustainable Fuels at Mabanaft, stated, “In the shipping industry, there is no single solution for sustainable fuels. That’s why we are committed to offering a diverse range of options tailored to our customers’ needs, including bio-blends, hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol.” He emphasised the company’s role in simplifying the transition by making alternative fuels more accessible.

Mabanaft is already aiding cruise lines and other marine sector players in adopting methanol, while also targeting other transportation sectors and the chemical industry. In January 2024, the company signed a letter of intent to supply green methanol to TUI Cruises, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting decarbonisation.

For more information visit www.hafen-hamburg.de