Mabanaft is Rebuilding its Own Tank Terminal in the Port of Hamburg: Four of the Tanks to be Converted for Methanol Storage by 2027
01.23.2025 By Tank Terminals - NEWS

January 23, 2025 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- Energy company Mabanaft has unveiled plans to retrofit four tanks at its Blumensand tank terminal in the Port of Hamburg over the next two years. This initiative aims to establish methanol storage capabilities, facilitating the import of low-carbon methanol to northern Germany. By investing in this multi-million-euro project, Mabanaft seeks to support its customers’ transition to greener alternatives, anticipating growing demand for methanol across shipping, transportation, and the chemical industry.

 

The tanks, with a combined capacity of approximately 20,000 cubic metres, will be retrofitted in two stages. Subject to regulatory approval, the first two tanks are scheduled for conversion by mid-2026, with the remaining tanks following in 2027. Methanol storage operations are expected to commence later that year. The company has initiated the approval process with the Hamburg Authority of Environment, Climate, Energy, and Agriculture, underlining its commitment to completing this ambitious project.

Mabanaft is positioning methanol as a versatile, low-carbon fuel option, offering solutions tailored to diverse customer needs. Methanol can be produced via multiple pathways, including:

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

“All these types of low-carbon methanol can be used in the future, depending on regional legislation and customer preferences,” noted Joost Vespermann, business developer in Mabanaft’s Sustainable Fuels division.

The shipping industry is expected to be a primary market for methanol as a sustainable fuel. Oleksandr Siromakha, head of sustainable fuels at Mabanaft, emphasised the importance of offering diverse fuel options:
“In the shipping industry, there is no single solution for sustainable fuels. That’s why we are committed to providing our customers with a range of options—both now and in the future. Alongside conventional fuels, we currently offer bio-blends and aim to expand into tailored solutions like hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol.”

Siromakha added that Mabanaft’s goal is to simplify the transition for its customers by making alternative fuels, including methanol, more accessible. Beyond the marine sector, the company plans to offer methanol for use in other transportation industries, such as a gasoline additive, and in the chemical sector.

Mabanaft is actively engaging with existing and new customers to develop decarbonisation strategies. The company has already made strides in the marine sector, signing a letter of intent in January 2024 to supply green methanol to TUI Cruises.

This project reinforces Mabanaft’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its role in supporting the shipping and industrial sectors’ decarbonisation goals. By leveraging innovative technologies and expanding its methanol capabilities, Mabanaft aims to play a pivotal role in the transition to low-carbon fuels.

 

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