Three partners have reported that they have achieved a 93.8% methane slip reduction rate in onshore tests. This achievement of the reduction rate was confirmed by ClassNK through the Statement of Fact (SOF) for the first time in the world.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Hitachi Zosen Corporation and Yanmar Power Technology achieved a 93.8% of reduction rate (at an engine load rate of 100%) in the development of the technology to reduce the methane slip from LNG-fueled vessels through catalyst and engine improvements.
In a statement issued yesterday (11 April), MOL said that the project aims to achieve a 70% or more reduction in methane slip from LNG-fueled vessels by combining methane oxidation catalyst and engine improvements during the six-year period from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2026.
It also aims to socially implement technology for reducing methane slip, which has not been established even on land, in the field of marine transportation, ahead of the rest of the world.
Hitachi Zosen and the Yanmar PT developed a methane oxidation catalyst system in 2022 that reduces methane slip by oxidizing methane emitted from marine engines fueled by LNG, and received NK’s approval in principle.
Project partner MOL said a land-based test last year achieved a reduction rate of 93.8%, exceeding the target of more than 70%, by combining engine improvements with EGR and a methane oxidation catalyst system, and the vehicle was the first in the world to receive the SOF from NK.
In a statement, MOL said: “The results were highly evaluated and passed the screening by NEDO for selection for continued support in February 2024.”
The demonstration test will start in the autumn of 2024 on a large coal carrier “Reimei” operated by MOL.
“As for fuels for ships, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are being considered as future option. However, the widespread use of LNG fuel is currently being promoted as a low emission fuel that is feasible at present.
“Nevertheless, while LNG fuel has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, methane slip is an issue,” MOL added.
Source: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
