Fuel supply system for methanol-fuelled containerships

Alfa Laval technology is playing a leading role in the marine industry’s transition to carbon-neutral green methanol. In this year’s largest methanol order to date, the Alfa Laval FCM Methanol will be the low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) on six methanol-fuelled container vessels. Note that, the real-life performance and high design flexibility of the system were fundamental factors for the order.

Decisive in the move to methanol

Alfa Laval will provide the methanol LFSS for six 1170 TEU container vessels. Particularly, ordered by Eastaway, a member of the X-Press Feeders Group. The new methanol-fuelled vessel series will be built at Chinese shipyards Ningbo Xinle Shipbuilding Group Co., Ltd and New Dayang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Moreover, they will have two-stroke MAN B&W ME-LGIM engines that can run on methanol as well as conventional fuels. The FCM Methanol deliveries will begin in June 2023. 

“Alfa Laval is proud to be chosen for this significant methanol project… With their ability to sail on green methanol, these vessels will be front-runners in the move to carbon-neutral operations. Methanol is a major advance on the path to decarbonization, and the FCM Methanol can be instrumental for shipowners in making the leap.”

Peter Nielsen, President, Alfa Laval Marine Separation & Heat Transfer Equipment

Adaptable and proven at sea

Because methanol technology is a new element in shipbuilding, yards adopt different setups to suit their learning curve. Given the complexity and scope of this project, the yards have hired engineering companies to procure and integrate the methanol-related components. The FCM Methanol incorporates unique flexibility and the company’s extensive methanol experience.

With mature technologies and reliable automation, the FCM Methanol safely supplies methanol within the flow rate, pressure, temperature, and filtration parameters specified by the engine maker. Because it is adaptable to any engine and vessel design, it enables turnkey LFSS deliveries for easy installation. Since 2015, the system has been chosen in nearly 20 methanol projects for more than 10 large shipping companies.

“Over years at sea, the FCM Methanol has established a leading position in the industry… Shipowners can count on its proven automation to keep methanol operations safe and secure, but the design advantages are equally strong for engineering companies and shipbuilders. From integration to operation, the FCM Methanol makes it simpler to work with this new green fuel.”

Alfa Laval’s Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems

Source: Alfa Laval

See Also

LNG becomes increasingly viable and popular as a marine fuel. Hence, the industry players are offering holistic solutions for; comprehensive engines and environmentally friendly fuel gas supply systems (FGSS), offshore and onshore bunkering systems, and stationary distribution systems for regasification or fuel filling – all from a single source.