Mabanaft plans to build a methanol storage infrastructure at the Blumensand terminal to supply low-carbon methanol to northern Germany. This will support customers switching to cleaner fuels. The company expects demand for methanol to grow in the shipping, transport and chemical industries.
The project involves the conversion of four tanks with a total capacity of 20,000 cubic meters. Work will start in mid-2025 and will be carried out in two stages: the first two tanks will be commissioned by mid-2026, the rest in 2027. Methanol storage is scheduled to begin in 2027. Mabanaft will independently handle the import, storage and distribution of the fuel, and is also considering expanding supplies to other regions.
Mabanaft actively works with customers to reduce their carbon footprint by offering different types of methanol: e-methanol from renewable energy, bio-methanol from biomass and “blue” methanol with carbon capture. In shipping, the company already offers bio-fuel blends and plans to add hydrogen, ammonia and methanol to the range in the future, making it easier for customers to switch to green fuels.
Mabanaft is already working with European cruise operators to help them adopt methanol as a marine fuel. In January 2024, the company signed an agreement to supply “green” methanol to TUI Cruises. In addition to shipping, methanol will be offered as a gasoline additive and for the chemical industry.