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 conditioning solutions
The Alfa Laval FCM Methanol is a low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) proven in over 100,000 hours of operation. Originally developed for two-stroke engines fuelled by methanol, it can now also serve four-stroke engines and Alfa Laval Aalborg boilers. Having a single LFSS solution for their differing needs saves space and energy in the engine room.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Heat exchange
Alfa Laval semi-welded heat exchangers are ideal for handling methanol, which has a corrosive nature. Their unique Alfa Laval RefTight™ sealing system ensures a lifetime seal between the laser-welded channels, while the smooth surface produces a tight uniform seal over the entire gasket ring.
Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre
The innovation needed to work with methanol on board is well underway at the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre. With its 2800 m2 of testing space, this unique R&D facility is providing deeper insights into methanol handling, methanol combustion and fuel cell technologies. The efforts will ensure safety and efficiency on tomorrow’s more sustainable methanol-fuelled vessels.
