temperature flash-point so the automation systems need to be approved by the marine shipping classification company . This type of automation is Auramarine ’ s core expertise and know-how ,” Bergman adds .
” Our R & D engineering department has invested heavily in this field as we see it is essential for the future of marine traffic .”
The equipment is manufactured either at Auramarine ’ s own factory in Shanghai , China , or by trusted manufacturing partners in Finland .
” Asia is our main market area . Our Shanghai factory has been in operation for 22 years already . Currently , China and South Korea are the leading shipbuilders worldwide in terms of volume .”
” The system will be delivered ready for assembly to our customers who in turn will install the system on board . Auramarine will then handle the testing at sea ,” explains Bergman .
TAILORED SYSTEMS AND FINE-TUNING
According to Mr . Bergman , the particularly challenging part in the development work is that the technology is quite innovative and therefore new for everybody involved .
” Acquiring knowledge of the whole system is a full-time learning process . Optimising the ship emission reductions has to be worked on a ship-by-ship and engineby-engine basis . There ’ s a whole lot of variables to be considered .”
Furthermore , the type of methanol fuel being utilised in ship engines can be significant .
” Some types of methanol are being manufactured by using fossil fuels while other types may be synthetically produced from environmentally friendly raw materials . Such differences have an effect on the total environmental impact of methanol .”
SAFE SOLUTIONS FOR HAZARDOUS AREAS
The Auramarine supply unit is designed to fit on closed and Ex rated hazardous areas where fire-safety is of paramount importance . The health and safety guidelines have been taken into account .
This level of safety is achieved by using self-draining mechanical design in conjunction with the nitrogen inerting process and specially designed configurations to any serviceable methanol line segments . Also , all components and electric equipment will be selected for demanding use in a hazardous area .
In order to minimize the volumes of electrical equipment in a hazardous area , the electrical cabinets and control panels are designed to be fitted separately to a safe area .
Auramarine ’ s methanol supply system is suitable for all types of ships , regardless of ship size .
” The key requirement is that the ship will need an engine that is compatible with methanol fuel . Quite often , some kind of methanol conversion for the ship engine will be required ,” Bergman explains .
In his view , the demand for methanol supply systems will skyrocket in the near future .
” Green technology is becoming increasingly important for the maritime industries . A large portion of the world trade is currently being transported by sea . For such goals , clean fuel technology would be just the thing .” n photo : AURAMARINE LTD
Auramarine Methanol Supply System – Full fuel system from design to commissioning and lifecycle services . seatec 2 / 2023 23