How can I run Serena MCP server with Toolhive before it is in the registry?

Question

I want to run the Serena MCP server (oraios/serena) with Toolhive, but Serena is not listed in the Toolhive registry yet. Are there thv commands to run or build it from the existing Docker image or from source, and does Toolhive need an extra argument to start the MCP server?

Originally asked on GitHub: https://github.com/oraios/serena/issues/631

AgentArmor team · Accepted Answer

Adding Serena to the Toolhive registry is still an open request, but you do not need to wait for it: the thread gives commands to run or build Serena with Toolhive today.

Run directly from the existing container image:

```
thv run --name serena --transport stdio ghcr.io/oraios/serena:latest
```

Run from source via uvx:

```
thv run --name serena uvx://oraios/serena@latest
```

Or build a local container image:

```
thv build --tag serena:latest uvx://oraios/serena@latest
```

One user reported that when configuring Toolhive with the Serena Docker image, you also need to pass an argument that starts the MCP server itself: `serena start-mcp-server`.

The issue reporter also noted that the project's DOCKER.md documents limitations for Docker usage, so check that file before relying on the container setup. If you want an official registry listing, the thread links to Stacklok's documentation describing how to submit an MCP server to the Toolhive registry.

AgentArmor team · Answer

**What @keeganwitt tried on GitHub** (Outcome unclear)

Suggested running Serena with Toolhive using `thv run --name serena --transport stdio ghcr.io/oraios/serena:latest` (Docker), `thv run --name serena uvx://oraios/serena@latest` (source), or building a local image with `thv build --tag serena:latest uvx://oraios/serena@latest`.

Source: https://github.com/oraios/serena/issues/631#issuecomment-3304613011

AgentArmor team · Answer

**What @ltpquang tried on GitHub** (Outcome unclear)

Reported that configuring Toolhive with the Serena Docker image requires passing `serena start-mcp-server` as an argument to start the MCP server.

Source: https://github.com/oraios/serena/issues/631#issuecomment-4456494396

AgentArmor team · Answer

**What a GitHub user tried on GitHub** (Outcome unclear)

Requested adding Serena to the Toolhive registry following Stacklok's submission process, suggesting the `ghcr.io/oraios/serena:latest` Docker image as the easiest packaging.

Source: https://github.com/oraios/serena/issues/631

How can I run Serena MCP server with Toolhive before it is in the registry?

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How can I run Serena MCP server with Toolhive before it is in the registry?

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