Industry News
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding to conduct technical studies on ammonia fuel supply system for WinGD marine engines
As part of a new MoU, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will carry out technical studies on an ammonia fuel supply system for large, low-speed two-stroke marine engines currently being developed by Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD).
The MoU supports both companies’ aim of contributing toward the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization target, which seeks to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the marine industry.
WinGD is currently developing an ammonia-fueled, low-speed, two-stroke engine, the X-DF-A, suitable for use within the maritime sector. As part of the technical studies, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD will analyze the technologies required to deliver and commercialize a viable and suitable ammonia fuel supply system for the X-DF-A design, with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding drawing on its knowledge gained from the construction of transport carriers.
UECC expands LNG operations in the Mediterranean
LNG-powered dual-fuel vessel Auto Energy, operated by United European Car Carriers (UECC), has received its first LNG bunkering from Repsol. The bunkering was carried out in the Port of Sagunto in Spain, which was also the port’s first bunkering operation.
The delivery was supplied by energy company Repsol – supported by UECC, ESK and local authorities – as UECC continues to expand its international LNG operations to enhance sustainability within its fleet.
“We are thrilled to have successfully bunkered LNG for the first time in the Mediterranean, thanks to the excellent collaboration with Repsol and the support of ESK and Sagunto Port Authority,” said Daniel Gent, energy and sustainability manager for UECC.
Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation Systems receives AiP from DNV
The new Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation Systems (WARMS) has been granted Approval in Principle (AiP) by classification society DNV, enabling it to be used on vessels fueled by ammonia with the DNV Class notation Gas Fueled Ammonia, or on gas tankers fueled by ammonia with the DNV Class notation GF NH3.
Wärtsilä has designed the system to reduce risks related to fuels including ammonia which can be harmful to crew health or the surrounding environment if not handled or stored correctly.
Benefitting from a compact footprint, WARMS enables the accurate and continuous monitoring of emissions. The solution features staged and controlled combustion and uses only a small amount of energy consumption while producing little waste.
FEATURE: Damen Shipyards discusses Charging as a Service
Peter Rampen of Damen Shipyards believes the next step in the electrification of shipping will require the development of Charging as a Service shoreside power solutions. Rampen, who is due to present a paper titled ‘Megawatt charging of ships – connections beyond the hull‘ during the conference taking place at Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe at the RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands, on June 20, 21 & 22, 2023, currently works as a principal research engineer in the discipline of ship’s electrification at the Damen R&D department. Electric & Hybrid Marine Technology International recently caught up with Peter to hear his thoughts on how shoreside microgrids offer a solution to current power requirements.
LD Freight Solutions, VPLP Design and Alwena Shipping to develop wind-assisted container vessel
VPLP Design and Alwena Shipping will work on the development of a wind-assisted and wind-propelled container ship solution for LD Freight Solutions, a subsidiary of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.
Based on the Trade Wings 2,500 concept for small size container ships of 2,500 TEU, the sustainable shipping solution will be well suited for operations in Europe, Central America, Caribbean Islands and China as well on transatlantic routes.
At present, Bureau Veritas has awarded the preliminary project an Approval in Principle, with the vessel using a hybrid propulsion system made up of a diesel-electric system and a total of six wing sails.
ABB unveils Dynafin “whale’s tail” propulsion concept
A propulsion system concept called the Dynafin, which draws inspiration from the motions of a whale’s tail, has been revealed by ABB. The concept – a result of more than 10 years of R&D and testing – consists of a main electric motor which powers a large wheel that rotates approximately 30-80 times a minute. Attached to the wheel are vertical blades, each controlled by a single motor. The combination of the wheel and blades results in both propulsion and steering forces.
ABB estimates that the first prototype of the Dynafin will be available in 2025, and to begin with, the propulsion solution will come in power ranges from 1-4MW per unit.
Eni and RINA partner to develop initiatives to help decarbonize maritime transportation
Inspection, certification and engineering consultancy RINA has signed an agreement with Eni to collaboratively develop initiatives that will contribute to the energy transition and decarbonization of each company’s operations – with a particular focus on maritime transportation.
The agreement will examine the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel, which Eni manufactures at its bio-refineries in Venice and Gela in Italy. The companies will also investigate the use of blue or green hydrogen and ammonia from biogenic, renewable or waste raw materials.
As part of the agreement, the partners will consider conducting experiments and pilot projects related to the capture of CO2 emissions on board maritime vessels.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding delivers ammonia fuel supply system to Japan Engine Corporation
The Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has taken delivery of a Mitsubishi Shipbuilding ammonia fuel supply system designed for large, low-speed two-stroke marine engines. The system has been installed at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Research & Innovation Center in the Nagasaki district in Japan.
J-ENG is currently testing ammonia fuel using an experimental, large-scale, low-speed two-stroke marine engine at the MHI facility. The ammonia fuel required for the tests is supplied by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.
Because ammonia does not emit CO2 when combusted, it is viewed as a viable alternative fuel that the maritime industry can use to reduce greenhouse emissions from vessels operating on conventional, polluting fuels.