Seatec International Maritime Review 2/2023 | Page 22

” One of our first clients in this field is the Swedish shipowner Terntank who is currently having three new ships under construction at a Chinese shipyard . Auramarine will deliver methanol-fuel equipment for them – including automation and accessories – by June 2024 . Other projects are ongoing or being finalised ,” Mr . Bergman mentions .
FINDING THE RIGHT VARIABLES
In an era of constantly tightened international regulations on ship emissions , increasing the use of methanol fuel in ship engines is an obvious choice .
According to Mr . Bergman , the specifications of methanol-fuel systems are typically determined on a case-by-case basis according to ship and engine types .
In Auramarine ’ s solution , the methanol supply unit will provide methanol from the service tank to the master fuel valve while regulating the flow , pressure and temperature of the methanol . When combined with filtration , this ensures its suitability for use in engines . The system actively maintains the supply pressure within the specified tolerances in the course of any load changes .
“ To cut greenhouse gas emissions , methanol is one of the most viable clean fuels ,” notes Bergman .
Auramarine Methanol Supply Unit .
John Bergman , CEO , Auramarine Ltd .
” There are many variables in the design of optimal systems . Also , the overall reduction of the ship ’ s emissions is based on several factors . Even the quality of the methanol fuel being utilisted can be relevant .”
” In accordance with IMO regulations , ships running on alternative fuels need to have a back-up fuel system for MGO marine diesel oil . Even with ships utilising methanol as the main fuel type , some 5 to 10 percent of MGO is generally needed as ignition fuel . With a combination of green methanol and bio oil as ignition fuel , emissions can be significantly reduced ,” Bergman points out .
” When existing ships are converted for methanol fuel , possibly new fuel tanks are required . The necessary space for them just has to be found somewhere on board .”
LARGE MARKETS IN ASIA
Typically , Auramarine will deliver the methanol supply system hardware – apart from the fuel tanks – as well as the fueling system with methanol supply pipes , junctions , balancing pumps , sensors , valve units , and automation , including software .
” Quite a lot of automation is required . Methanol is a fuel with a low photo : AURAMARINE LTD photo : AURAMARINE LTD
22 seatec 2 / 2023