The first methanol-powered pilot transport vessel has been launched through the Fastwater project, a consortium of European leaders in maritime research and technology to demonstrate the feasibility of new-build methanol-powered vessels.
One of the Swedish Maritime Administration’s (SMA) pilot boats, launched ahead of schedule, has been converted to run on methanol by the GreenPilot project.
The 120 SE, which is 14.4 metres long and 4.6 metres wide, is powered by a single methanol-powered engine. It has a fixed-blade propeller and the compression-ignition Methanol-MD97 engine, which has a performance similar to that of diesel. Engine power reaches 415 kW at 2,100 rpm. Developed by Swedish shipping services provider ScandiNAOS, the MD97 engine meets IMO Tier III requirements without aftertreatment and is expected to reduce NOx by 75%.
Both this vessel and its engine have been developed together with Lloyd’s Register and are very efficient in a low fuel consumption regime. In addition, the fuel pipes installed on board are double-walled, as is the fuel storage tank. However, the leak and heat detectors have had to be replaced to accommodate the new engine and fuel.
In addition to the pilot transport vessel, it is intended to demonstrate the feasibility on two other methanol-powered vessels: a tugboat and a coast guard vessel.
GREEPILOT PROJECT
This project converted a pilot transport vessel to run on methanol, demonstrating the improvements in environmental and operational performance that can be achieved with this fuel.
The two-year project started in 2016 with the main objective of converting a pilot transport vessel made available by the Swedish Maritime Administration.
The conversion work involved adapting the on-board systems, mainly fuel supply and safety. As well as replacing one of the vessel’s two main engines with an engine converted to run on methanol.
Methanol is a liquid fuel that can be stored relatively easily on small vessels and can be produced from many renewable feedstocks.
Methanol has been used in the past for propulsion of large ships, but until now it has not been used in small vessels until the GreenPilot project came along.