- A subsidiary of MAN Energy Solutions has developed a marine fuel-gas system for liquefied hydrogen with Fjord1 and Multi Maritime.
- It is the first marine-system design globally to secure approval in principle by the DNV-GL Classification society.
- Man Cryo targets to achieve zero fossil emissions within the marine sector by 2050.
- Maritime Energy Transition was launched in 2016 to achieve a climate-neutral shipping industry.
MAN Cryo, the wholly owned subsidiary of MAN Energy Solutions has developed a marine fuel-gas system for liquefied hydrogen, in close cooperation with Fjord1 and Multi Maritime in Norway, reports a press release.
Multi Maritime’s hydrogen vessel design for Fjord1, including the fully integrated ‘MAN Cryo – Hydrogen Fuel Gas System’, has been granted preliminary approval in principle, “AIP”, by the DNV-GL Classification society. The award is significant in that the system is the first marine-system design globally to secure such an approval.
What does the AIP represent?
Dr. Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions, said: “Winning this approval is a significant development for a number of reasons.” He classified them as below –
- As a solution for vessels employed on relatively short maritime routes, such as ferries, this technology is a world-first.
- Hydrogen is a clean fuel whose profile fits perfectly with the general desire within the industry to move towards cleaner technology.
- The possibilities for this technology are varied and exciting.
In the opinion of Dr. Uwe Lauber, the new system showcases the company’s ability to deliver genuinely innovative solutions.
Where was it developed?
MAN Cryo developed the Liquid Hydrogen Marine Fuel Gas System design in-house at its headquarters in Gothenburg in close cooperation with the shipowner, Fjord1, and ship designer, Multi Maritime, in Norway.
System Scalability
The system has a scalable design that allows easy adaptation for different shipping types, sizes, and conditions. The design is suited for both above and below deck applications, offering ship designers the flexibility to optimize their designs in relation to efficiency, and to cargo or passenger space.
Challenges faced
Liquefied hydrogen has a temperature of -253° Celsius and is one of the absolutely coldest cryogenic gases there is, which places system components and materials under extreme stresses. Another design challenge was hydrogen’s explosive nature, with the MAN Cryo engineering team accordingly placing top priority on safety.
Why is this fuel clean?
Once liquefied, hydrogen is reduced to 1/800th of its volume, compared to that of its gas phase, facilitating a more-efficient distribution. As a fuel, hydrogen does not release any CO2 and can play an important role in the transition to a clean, low-carbon, energy system. Liquefied hydrogen can be used to charge batteries for electrical propulsion via fuel-cell technology. MAN Cryo states that it sees a bright future for hydrogen applications globally as part of its target of achieving zero fossil emissions within the marine sector by 2050. In particular, Norway is currently developing several promising hydrogen applications.
The Maritime Energy Transition
Shipping, in particular, is facing great challenges with regard to more environmentally-friendly fuel sources, which is why MAN Energy Solutions has argued in favor of what it terms a ‘Maritime Energy Transition’ for some time as the most promising way to achieve a climate-neutral shipping industry.
The term ‘Maritime Energy Transition’ stems from the German expression ‘Energiewende’ and encapsulates MAN Energy Solutions’ call to action to reduce emissions and establish natural gas as the fuel of choice in global shipping. It is also an umbrella covering all MAN Energy Solutions’ activities in regard to supporting a climate-neutral shipping industry. Launched in 2016 after COP 21, the initiative has since found broad support within the shipping industry and German politics.
In conclusion
MAN Cryo has long experience with cryogenic gases and solutions for storage and distribution. The company has also made numerous hydrogen installations over the years on land that, in combination with its extensive experience from marine fuel-gas systems for LNG, have been invaluable when designing the new system.
Louise Andersson, Head of MAN Cryo, said: “To secure this approval in principle shows the determination that MAN Energy Solutions has to advance cleaner shipping solutions.”
She continued: “Our strategy is to actively work with our customers to design and promote cleaner ways of powering vessels, and the competence and energy within MAN Cryo convey this strategy excellently.”
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: MAN
