January 25, 2024 [Tank Storage Magazine]- Hamburg-based energy company Mabanaft has taken a significant step towards making the cruise industry more environmentally friendly by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with TUI Cruises, one of the leading cruise operators. The agreement involves the supply of green methanol, a clean and sustainable fuel, to TUI Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships.

The cooperation between Mabanaft and TUI Cruises starts with a methanol delivery for the Mein Schiff 7, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2024. This ship will be capable of running on methanol, or green methanol in the future, contributing to the decarbonisation of its propulsion system. TUI Cruises plans to add more dual-fuel methanol-ready cruise ships to its fleet in Germany in the coming years.

To support this initiative, Mabanaft, a supplier of transportation fuels and operator of tank terminals, will expand its range of marine fuels to include methanol and other hydrogen derivatives from renewable sources. The company is also planning to establish the necessary storage and bunkering infrastructure in Hamburg and potentially other ports to supply TUI Cruises and other customers with methanol.

Mabanaft is committed to developing and expanding clean energy offerings for its shipping customers worldwide. The company aims to provide a range of transition options, including biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol, to help the shipping industry decarbonise. This partnership with TUI Cruises is an important step towards providing an integrated methanol fuel solution.

Both Mabanaft and TUI Cruises recognise the importance of adopting appropriate technologies and long-term strategies for achieving climate-neutral cruises. TUI Cruises is continuously equipping its fleets with innovative propulsion systems, while also securing the supply of alternative fuels through partnerships like the one with Mabanaft.

The MoU between Mabanaft and TUI Cruises marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership. Mabanaft will cover TUI Cruises’ methanol needs in Northern Germany, and potentially in other European ports in the future. The company is also planning a gradual transition to synthetic e-methanol to further reduce carbon emissions in the cruise ship industry.

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