Marine equipment and solutions for methanol as fuel
Fuelling a new phase in decarbonization
Methanol is emerging as a commonly chosen alternative fuel that can help the marine industry progressively reduce emissions and meet decarbonization targets. If produced from renewable sources, it can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional fuels. Green methanol would add no new CO2 to the atmosphere, making vessels carbon neutral when using it.
Nonetheless, methanol will demand new technologies and a different way of looking at the energy balance on board. Alfa Laval is at the cutting edge of methanol solutions – and is ready to partner with you in making the transition.
Methanol fuel line and combustion
Methanol is a low-flashpoint fuel that poses new demands when it comes to fuel supply and combustion. Alfa Laval solutions are at the cutting edge of these aspects.
Fuel supply system
The Alfa Laval FCM Methanol is a low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) that can be adapted to any kind of marine engine and vessel design. It is a proven technology that has been operating on methanol fueled vessels sailing around the world since 2015.
Enabling the move to methanol as fuel
Find out why the Alfa Laval FCM Methanol is the leading choice of low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) in today’s methanol projects. This short video explains why more than a pump is needed, and it shows how the FCM Methanol lives up to the challenge – from flexible installation to peace of mind in operation.
Aalborg marine boiler solutions for methanol as fuel
Built on a century of thermal expertise, Alfa Laval Aalborg marine boilers are prepared to run on methanol, thanks to our future-proof MultiFlame burner concept. Adding to our already extensive combustion knowledge, we are now conducting large-scale methanol testing at the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre.
Heating and cooling
Methanol is similar to liquid fuels that are already in widespread use in the marine industry, but it has both a low flashpoint and an aggressive nature. Alfa Laval offers several heat exchanger types that can handle the temperatures, pressures and corrosion risks associated with methanol operations.
Power from waste energy
The Alfa Laval E-PowerPack uses Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology to create electrical power from any heat source on board. By letting you take advantage of all available waste energy, even when steam demands are minimal, it can help you retain fuel economy despite the higher cost of methanol.
Methanol and energy demands
Besides having different properties compared to traditional fuels, methanol will change the energy dynamics on board. Alfa Laval is providing the solutions to keep the energy balance as vessels move towards greater sustainability.
Power generation
Methanol contains less energy than traditional fuels, which means additional energy will be needed. To complete the energy balance, Alfa Laval and leading partners are developing high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HTPEM) fuel cells adapted for marine use.
Waste heat recovery
The Alfa Laval Aalborg Micro exhaust gas marine boiler supports energy efficiency in multiple ways. Connected to a fired boiler, it supplies steam to a shared steam drum, reducing the need to use the burner. Used with the E-PowerPack and a plate heat exchanger, it delivers waterborne heat energy at a temperature that maximizes power output.
Innovating at the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre
At the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre, the solutions and knowledge for working with methanol on board continue to develop. With its 2800 m2 of testing space, this unique R&D facility is providing deeper insights into methanol handling, methanol combustion and more. The efforts will ensure safety and efficiency on tomorrow’s more sustainable methanol-fuelled vessels.
Alfa Laval to deliver the world’s first methanol-fired steam marine boiler solutions, enhancing fuel flexibility with methanol
Alfa Laval is taking a pivotal role in driving the marine industry’s transition to carbon-neutral green methanol with its methanol-capable solutions. The company has expanded its portfolio of alternative fuel solutions with the introduction of methanol-fired Aalborg marine boiler systems that offer exceptional fuel flexibility, accommodating a wide range of fuel types including methanol. This addition marks a significant milestone in the marine industry as it will be the first time a methanol boiler will be installed onboard a ship.
