The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping has announced an Approval in Principle (AiP) for retrofitting conventionally fueled Kamsarmax bulk carriers to operate on dual-fuel methanol. This project, undertaken in partnership with TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd., focused on evaluating the technical and economic viability of converting fuel oil systems to dual-fuel methanol capabilities, reports Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.
Strong Collaboration
This retrofit project, centered on Tsuneishi’s Kamsarmax standard design, aims to investigate the technical and operational aspects of converting existing vessels to run on dual-fuel methanol. The design and technological solutions for this conversion were developed through close collaboration with MAN ES, who provided expertise on main engines and FuelTech, contributing to design reviews and Hazard Identification (HAZID) processes.
ClassNK offered regulatory guidance, facilitated safety risk assessments, and issued an Approval in Principle (AiP). Cargill provided operational and technical insights from a charterer’s perspective, while the Danish Maritime Administration participated as an observer, offering valuable input during the risk assessments. ClassNK’s AiP process includes a thorough safety evaluation, proving that methanol can be used as a fuel safely, comparable to conventional fuels.
Evangelos Fragkoulis, Head of Ship Design at the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, stated that the Approval in Principle for this retrofit bulk carrier project is a significant achievement in the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts. He emphasized that it demonstrates a move towards non-intrusive, safe, and adaptable solutions that allow for the integration of green fuels without compromising safety.
Given that the medium-sized bulk carrier segment represents a considerable portion of the industry, this modular retrofit solution facilitates a quicker transition to methanol and other sustainable fuels. Fragkoulis highlighted that this AiP is a result of collaborative efforts, and the Center is proud to have reached this milestone with its partners.
Results and Guidelines
The retrofit project has produced a variety of design solutions, including innovative and modular approaches to onboard fuel handling, methanol storage, and integration. These solutions are designed to optimize safety and capacity, ultimately reducing costs and conversion time. The project’s findings will be compiled into a detailed case study.
Furthermore, the project has developed general design principles for methanol retrofits, intended as a guide for ship designers, shipyards, and operators in making key design decisions. Both the case study and the design principles publication are scheduled for release later this year.
This project represents a crucial step towards achieving sustainability in the shipping industry, demonstrating how technological innovation can expedite the transition of existing vessel fleets to environmentally friendly fuels.
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Source: Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
