Mabanaft has signed a non-binding agreement with HIF Global to initially offtake 100,000 tonnes of hydrogen-based e-methanol for use in the maritime industry.
In an online statement, Mabanaft said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement outlines “the starting point for negotiations to define the terms of a potential offtake contract.”
The German firm’s Senior Vice-President New Energy, Supply & Infrastructure, Volker Ebeling, said Mabanaft is currently in the process of making methanol storage available at its Port of Hamburg tank terminal, with possible scope for further global locations.
In January, the company announced it would convert four of its Hamburg tanks to store methanol, expected to be ready by 2027. Furthermore, Mabanaft has already signed a letter of intent to supply green methanol to Tui Cruises.
Commenting on the preliminary deal between Mabanaft and HIF, Diego Fettweis, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of HIF Global, added, “Today, we take another step in leading the e-fuels industry, joining forces to break into a key market: shipping.
“Drop-in fuels can make a relevant difference in ensuring a secure energy supply while leveraging existing infrastructure.”
Last September, the HIF Global secured a land reservation contract with the Port of Açu in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to develop an 800,000-tonne-per-year e-methanol facility.
Pioneering hydrogen e-fuels can transform shipping: Global Maritime Forum
Almost a year ago, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states gathered in London, UK, to discuss the future of the maritime industry. From these discussions emerged the IMO’s revised strategy on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, which emphasises the critical importance of zero-emission fuels in achieving the ambitious industry targets. The revised strategy aims to completely phase out GHG emissions from shipping “by or around” 2050.
Central to this vision is the adoption of zero- and near-zero emission fuels, such as hydrogen-based e-fuels, which are seen as pivotal to transforming the maritime sector into a sustainable and environmentally friendly industry. These e-fuels offer significant promise in reducing GHG emissions and can lead to the creation of up to four million jobs across the supply chain according to research from the Global Maritime Forum (GMF) and Arup. The IMO’s revised strategy sets an ambition of 5%, striving for 10%, adoption of these fuels by 2030.
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