TUI Cruises Accepts Delivery Of First Methanol-Ready Cruise Ship Mein Schiff 7

Meyer Turku, a Finnish shipyard, has proudly announced the delivery of Mein Schiff 7, a cutting-edge cruise ship equipped with methanol propulsion, to the German cruise company TUI Cruises.

The vessel’s delivery ceremony on June 10, 2024, represents a key milestone in the cruise industry’s quest for environmentally friendly technologies.

Mein Schiff 7’s journey from ceremonial steel cutting on June 14, 2022, to delivery demonstrates Meyer Turku and TUI Cruises’ efficiency and partnership.

Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, expressed pride in the timely delivery less than two years after the inaugural ceremony, showcasing the successful collaboration between the two companies.

Mein Schiff 7 is the first cruise ship in Mein Schiff’s fleet to be designed for methanol propulsion, setting a new standard for sustainable cruising.

While initially powered by low-emission marine diesel, the vessel has the capacity to switch to methanol, which is predicted to drastically reduce its carbon footprint.

Equipped with an Auramarine methanol fuel delivery system, the ship’s propulsion power is positioned to become nearly CO2 neutral with the eventual adoption of green methanol.

In addition to being methanol-ready, Mein Schiff 7 prioritizes environmental conservation through various measures.

These include a shore power connection and catalytic converters, which reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 75%, demonstrating the vessel’s commitment to sustainability.

While Mein Schiff 7 is powered by marine diesel, plans are in place to convert to methanol propulsion by 2026.

TUI Cruises intends to use the vessel’s methanol operations as an educational experience for future conversions in its existing fleet.

The company’s dedication to environmentally responsible techniques extends to its planned initiatives, including the launch of Mein Schiff Relax, an LNG-powered cruise ship scheduled for 2025.

Mein Schiff 7’s delivery reflects a broader industry trend of using alternative fuels like methanol in maritime shipping.

Other cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, are exploring similar options, indicating an overall shift toward greener practices in the cruise industry.

Reference: Meyer Turku, Offshore Energy