Safetytech Accelerator, in collaboration with major maritime and energy players like Chevron, Carnival Corporation, Shell, and Seapeak, has completed feasibility studies under the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII). These studies demonstrate the strong potential of innovative technologies to detect, measure, and capture fugitive methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships.
Launched in September 2022, MAMII brings together over 20 leading companies from shipping and energy industries to address methane emissions across the LNG supply chain. With methane slip during combustion and emissions from fuel handling being critical challenges, the initiative aims to develop scalable, effective solutions.
Key Technologies Evaluated
Three innovative companies were selected for feasibility studies, each offering unique solutions for methane abatement:
1. Xplorobot
- Technology: Handheld device and AI-powered platform for real-time detection and quantification of methane emissions.
- Capabilities:
- Detects leak locations using computer vision and overlays emission rate data.
- Inspects 50–100 components in under an hour.
- Automated digital tracking for compliance reporting.
- Feasibility Results: Accuracy levels of +/-30% for emissions over 500 grams/hour and +/-50% for emissions between 100–500 grams/hour.
Next Steps: Deploy field trials to validate the technology’s maritime application.
2. Sorama
- Technology: Acoustic cameras for visualizing sound and vibration fields in 3D to detect gas leaks.
- Capabilities:
- Fixed and handheld devices for precise methane slip localization.
- Proposed six-month pilot with four fixed cameras and one handheld device for targeted monitoring.
- Feasibility Results: Demonstrated environmental and cost-saving benefits for ship operators, with the potential to transform emission standards.
Next Steps: Initiate on-ship trials to refine acoustic monitoring for maritime environments.
3. framergy
- Technology: AYRSORB™ F250GII, a metal-organic framework for capturing and storing methane.
- Capabilities:
- Reduces methane emissions during planned/unplanned venting events.
- Offers operational cost savings and potential revenue through methane reuse or sale.
- Feasibility Results: Proven effectiveness in mitigating emissions at lower pressures compared to conventional methods.
Next Steps: Optimize deployment for LNG carriers and integrate with operational systems.
Future Outlook
MAMII’s feasibility studies showcase promising results, underscoring the potential of these technologies to reshape emission management in the maritime sector. On-ship trials are planned to further validate and refine these innovations for industry-wide adoption.
Quotes from Leaders:
- Oleg Mikhailov, Xplorobot: “Our goal is to empower operators with actionable insights to reduce emissions and enhance safety.”
- Bart Vaes, Sorama: “We’re excited about the transformative potential of acoustic monitoring for maritime emissions.”
- Jeff St. Amant, framergy: “Our partnership enabled us to adapt methane mitigation technology to LNG transport vessels effectively.”
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Safetytech Accelerator’s MAMII program is setting new standards for methane abatement in the maritime industry. These efforts mark a significant step toward achieving decarbonization goals and fostering sustainability in global shipping operations.
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Source: Safetytech Accelerator
