Driven by the need for decarbonization and to advance fuel flexibility, Alfa Laval is leading the way with the first fuel-flexible marine boiler solutions that can be delivered as electric hybrid or hybrid-ready boilers. This innovation supports shipowners in reducing emissions, saving fuel, and staying ahead of evolving green port regulations. Since its launch in early 2025, the solutions have generated strong interest and secured multiple orders. The new Aalborg boilers can be delivered as hybrid and hybridready solutions, with both combustion and electric capabilities. The boiler platform is fuel-flexible, allowing boilers to be configured for operation with oils and biofuels, and one additional alternative fuel— LNG, methanol, or ammonia in the |
future— based on the shipowner’ s choice. The hybrid- ready configuration is designed to operate solely on fuel but is prepared to have an electrical connection installed at a later stage. The future-proof design presents a powerful pathway for decarbonizing port operations and boosting energy efficiency. Whether required or not, connecting to the onshore power while in port allows zero-emission steam production without direct fuel costs or emissions from the vessel, while minimizing load on the auxiliary engine. The hybrid boiler solutions are built on deep knowledge of thermal applications and fuel properties, supported by research at Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre in Aalborg, Denmark. |
Finnish energy company Helen Oy has commissioned MAN Energy Solutions to supply an air-to-water heat pump as part of its Patola heating plant complex in Helsinki. Estanc set to manufacture the heat exchanger for the project. The new heating plant, which includes the industrial-scale heat pump and two 50 MW electric boilers, is expected to reduce CO 2 emissions by a total of 56,000 tons. Based on new technology, this air-to-water heat pump plant is the largest of its kind in the world, with full heating production capacity ranging from 20 to 33 MW, depending on the air temperature. The system can operate in outdoor temperatures as low as-20 ° C, using CO 2 as the natural refrigerant in a closed-loop |
system. Powered by electricity from renewable energy sources, the heat pump will use ambient air as a thermal energy source to heat water and meet the requirements of the district heating network. The heating plant complex, designed to drive Helsinki’ s heat production toward carbon neutrality, is expected to be operational in the heating season of 2026 / 2027. In an air-to-water heat pump plant, the heat exchanger plays a critical role in transferring thermal energy from the air to the water-based heating system. In large-scale heat pump plants, high-performance heat exchangers are essential to ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in renewable energy-based heating solutions. |