TNO007 Green Maritime Methanol 2

Summary

Within the first Green Maritime Methanol project, a sector wide consortium of over 30 partners have investigated the feasibility of application of methanol as a marine fuel. The consortium concluded that applying methanol as a shipping fuel is deemed to be feasible from a technical and operational perspective. From six methanol ship designs that were performed as part of the project, important follow-up questions came forward. 

 

Stakeholders in the consortium appreciated the multidisciplinary approach and therefore wished to follow up on the project. In Green Maritime 2.0, the consortium further developed the knowledge in four areas:  

  • The main safety risks for operating and bunkering of methanol were identified and solutions for the most pressing issues are under development.  
  • Further knowledge on the engine performance of both spark-ignited and compression ignited engines.  
  • Practical ship designs for three vessel types, based on results of GMM 1.0. 
  • Additional research on different supply chains and on policy measures and feedback of the position of methanol compared to other fuels. 

 

Motivation

This project is aligned with the goals of TKI Maritime on development of multidisciplinary research through collaboration of universities, knowledge institutes and maritime companies. The initiative is aligned with the Maritime Knowledge and Innovation Agenda and with the Maritime Masterplan.  

 

The project fits in the Towards zero Emission program through development of solutions in order to implement a low emission energy carrier into different maritime segments 

 

Goals of the project

Stakeholders in the consortium appreciated the multidisciplinary approach. The consortium worked on the following four topics during the project: 

  • There were some remaining safety and ship design issues that still needed to be tackled. This included solution for venting during the bunker and ventilation during operations on board.   
  • Additional knowledge was needed on the engine performance of both spark-ignited and direct separated injection in a compression ignited engine. Several analyses were performed and testing was initiated. 
  • More experience was needed for designing different vessel types with application of methanol in operational circumstances. These were tackled in pilot projects. 
  • There were still uncertainties concerning the availability and pricing of sustainable methanol. Additional research was needed in setting up different supply chains. Because policies and legislation are very important in the steps towards implementation, results are also discussed with policy makers.  

 

Innovativeness

The proposed research activities in Green Maritime Methanol 2.0 are aligned with and complementary to European research on introduction of alternative energy carriers in Maritime applications.   

 

The topic is aligned with the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda For The Partnership On Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport, specifically with the research line on Use of Sustainable Alternative Fuels. GMM 2.0 will make progress to fill the knowledge gap in all three main activities within this research line: development of fuel scenarios (feedstock and supply chain), technical capabilities to store and handle fuels onboard and development of technologies for power conversion.  

 

On the content side, activities have been discussed with the FASTWATER and JIP ZEL projects. Core partners of these projects (respectively Ghent University and MARIN) are also part of GMM 2.0. In the meantime, also MENENS started (https://menens.nl/). Research, such as tests performed on safety and engine development, have been aligned with activities of these projects. Furthermore, data outputs of the projects will be aligned and shared so that results can be better compared and good overall conclusions can be made.  

 

The project is mainly aimed at the maritime industry but has links to the TKI Biobased economy and TKI Energy & Industry.  

 

Valorisation

In order to make the findings of Green Maritime Methanol, including those of the previous project, accessible to a broad set of stakeholders, several activities were developed. The consortium wrote a paper “Call to Action” in which the findings for methanol are compared objectively to other possible energy carriers, in order to raise awareness to the role methanol has as part of the maritime energy transition and to emphasize the role of different stakeholders in this journey.  

 

Members of the consortium are represented in many international bodies and working groups that have a roll in the introduction of sustainable energy carriers for maritime shipping. These memberships are used to bring forward knowledge from GMM in relevant policy discussions for national and international bodies, including:  

  • Safety working groups for maritime alternative fuels (e.g. CESNI, CEN, NEN)  
  • Discussions on FuelEU Maritime and RED II  
  • Discussions in WATERBORNE in order to help define  topics for the 2023-2024 Horizon Europe cPP calls  
  • Participation in European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF)  
  • Participation in the International Association of Ports and harbours (IAPH)  

 

The research organisations involved share the results of this project on the basis of publications, such as publications in reports, position papers, publication in scientific journals, newsletters and continuous news updates via social media. 

 

Knowledge transfer to young logistics professionals takes place on the basis of student and PHD research. Knowledge transfer of innovative concepts in shipping by young professionals is seen as an important way in which innovation in the sector can seep into the long term. In the project student research is carried out. In addition, results are and will be processed in (guest) lectures.  

 

Duration of the project

29-04-2021 till 30-06-2023