- Framergy, Xplorobot, and Sorama have been chosen to address methane emissions in maritime shipping.
- The selected technologies aim to detect, measure, and potentially capture fugitive methane emissions.
- The three companies will undergo feasibility studies and pilots with leading shipping companies.
Safetytech Accelerator, in partnership with Carnival, Chevron, Seapeak LNG, and Shell, has selected Framergy, Xplorobot, and Sorama as the three technology providers to be evaluated by the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) to tackle the critical challenge of measuring fugitive methane emissions on ships.
Measuring fugitive methane emissions
Launched in September 2022 and led by Safetytech Accelerator, MAMII brings together industry leaders, technology innovators, and maritime stakeholders to advance technologies for measuring and mitigating methane emissions in the maritime sector. It currently has 23 leading shipping companies as Anchor Partners.
While methane slip—unburnt methane released during the combustion process—remains the largest source of methane emissions on ships, it is also critical to address methane leaks across the entire LNG fuel supply chain, from fuel loading to its delivery to the engine. These fugitive emissions are often unintended and short-lived, but they represent a significant environmental concern. Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating these leaks is essential to reducing the maritime sector’s overall methane footprint and achieving industry-wide decarbonization goals.
Following a challenge held in March 2024 aimed at identifying potential technologies that can detect, measure or potentially capture fugitive emissions, Safetytech Accelerator evaluated over 100 technology providers. From this pool, five companies were shortlisted, and now Framergy, Xplorobot, and Sorama have entered the evaluation phase. This phase includes feasibility studies and pilots in partnership with MAMII Anchor Partners – Carnival Cruises, Chevron, Seapeak LNG, and Shell. If successful, these solutions could be adopted across the maritime industry.
The Selected Technologies
Xplorobot
Xplorobot offers a handheld device and platform that accurately detects and quantifies fugitive methane emissions on ships. Using AI and computer vision, the solution captures data on equipment allowing to pinpoint leak locations and overlay real time leak rate values for a comprehensive view of the situation and addressing the issue quickly. It is designed to integrate with existing video and alerting systems without requiring specialised training.
Sorama
Sorama offers acoustic cameras designed to detect gas leaks through sound and vibration. The technology provides 3D visualization of sound fields, which may help to pinpoint the leak location directly on a screen, eliminating the need for complex analysis. The technology includes integrated AI and onboard software that can detect anomalies and classify specific sounds.
Framergy
Framergy has developed an innovative portfolio of adsorbents and catalysts based on coordination chemistry. One of their products, AYRSORB™ F250, with its ultra-high surface area and targeted molecule capture has the potential to detect, capture and store fugitive methane leaks by selectively filtering and concentrating methane from the surrounding air.
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Source: MAAMI
