Hamburg-based energy company MB Energy has carried out a methanol bunkering trial for a TUI Cruises vessel at the German Port of Kiel, according to a press release from MB Energy.
The operation saw approximately 25 cubic metres of methanol produced from renewable feedstocks delivered to Mein Schiff 7 at the Ostseekai Cruise Terminal, MB Energy said. The fuel is intended primarily for boiler operations onboard the vessel rather than for propulsion purposes.
Delivery Details
According to MB Energy, logistics firm Johs. Martens managed the trucking and physical delivery of the methanol on behalf of the company. Notably, the truck used to transport the fuel was itself powered by HVO 100, a renewable diesel alternative.
MB Energy also noted that the bunkering took place while Mein Schiff 7 had around 2,900 guests onboard, with other terminal activities occurring simultaneously. The company described the trial as a source of practical experience in managing methanol deliveries to large passenger vessels.
Expansion Plans
MB Energy is currently developing a storage facility at Hamburg-Blumensand to prepare it for methanol handling, according to the press release. The company said it plans to supply larger volumes of both methanol and ammonia to maritime customers going forward.
Hamburg and Kiel are set to function as MB Energy’s primary operational hubs in northern Germany, with the company indicating potential to extend supply capabilities to other European ports.
Does This Matter to You?
This trial reflects continued movement toward alternative marine fuel infrastructure in the cruise sector, an area of growing interest as vessel operators explore compliance pathways for emissions reduction. For those monitoring the availability of methanol as a bunker fuel in Northern Europe, MB Energy’s stated plans to scale up storage and supply capacity at Hamburg-Blumensand, alongside its Kiel operations, may be relevant to future fuel sourcing decisions.
Port operators and terminal planners handling passenger vessels may also find the operational aspects of this trial useful, particularly the demonstration that methanol bunkering can be conducted alongside active passenger boarding and terminal activity. However, as the source material does not provide further detail on regulatory approvals, pricing, or broader fleet adoption plans, the wider commercial impact remains unclear at this stage.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
