Hamburg-based energy firm MB Energy has completed a methanol bunkering trial for a TUI Cruises vessel at the German Port of Kiel, adding another data point to the maritime sector’s shift toward alternative fuels and the logistics needed to handle them in busy passenger ports.

Around 25 m3 of methanol produced from renewable feedstocks was delivered to Mein Schiff 7 at the Ostseekai Cruise Terminal, MB Energy said in a press release today.

The fuel will be used mainly for boiler operations on board rather than propulsion.

Johs. Martens handled the trucking and physical delivery on behalf of MB Energy.

The truck used for the operation was powered by HVO 100.

The bunkering took place while the cruise ship was operating with around 2,900 guests onboard and other activities were ongoing at the terminal, underscoring the coordination required when supplying fuel at a live cruise facility.

MB Energy said the trial provided practical experience in handling methanol deliveries to large passenger vessels.

The company is developing its storage facility at Hamburg-Blumensand to make it ready for methanol, with plans to supply larger volumes of methanol and ammonia to maritime customers.

Hamburg and Kiel are expected to serve as its main operational hubs in northern Germany, with scope to supply other European ports.

Ship & Bunker News Team

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