Erik Thun AB negotiates on off-take of e-methane as green fuel for its fleet

Munich-based synthetic methane technology provider Electrochaea and Erik Thun AB with a fleet portfolio of 50 vessels on March 18 said they have signed a Letter of Intent to enter into negotiations on the off-take of e-methane to be produced by Electrochaea’s subsidiary BioCAT Roslev Aps in Denmark for usage as maritime fuel in the vessels operated by Erik Thun AB.

Electrochaea is presently working to establish a power-to-gas production in the municipality of Skive.

Renewable power from wind will be used to produce green hydrogen that will be mixed with the CO2 from biogas production at Rybjerg Biogas in a bioreactor to produce e-methane using Electrochaea’s patented bio-methanation technology.

The resulting e-methane will be fed into the Danish gas grid, benefiting the decarbonization of gas consumers throughout Europe.

The e-methane will fully comply with the EU requirements for RFNBO’s. Erik Thun AB plans to use e-methane to replace fossil-based LNG fuel, allowing Erik Thun AB to operate its existing LNG fleet without replacing its propulsion systems to accommodate other renewable fuels.

Johan Källsson, managing director of Erik Thun AB, emphasizes the crucial need for sustainability in the maritime industry.

“Walking the path to carbon neutrality poses enormous challenges,” said Källsson.

“At Erik Thun AB, we are steadfast in our commitment to lead this transition by integrating renewable fuels into our operations. Currently, we are actively exploring different alternatives. For our vessels running on LNG, E-methane is emerging as a cleaner option.

“We are proud of this collaboration and that we are pioneering the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable e-methane, awaiting to be officially recognized by the government as a cleaner alternative.

“Our commitment extends to the construction, maintenance and operation of vessels with advanced designs and a minimal carbon footprint. To create sustainable options that can pass a proper life-cycle analysis, much cleaner e-fuels are needed.”

Doris Hafenbradl, Electrochaea’s CTO and managing director emphasized the benefits of using Electrochaea´s patented bio-methanation technology for providing low carbon fuel for the maritime industry.

“E-methane can play a vital role in decarbonizing the maritime industry and both Electrochaea and Biocat Roslev ApS are pleased to negotiate off-take of e-methane with one of the most sustainable and visionary shipping companies. The maritime industry is an important marketplace for the e-methane produced with our bio-methanation technology, which is further supported by the interest from Erik Thun AB,” Hafenbradl added.

^{Source: Electrochaea.}