Fuel supply systems company Auramarine has invested in the development of what it says is one of the industry’s first methanol fuel supply units to meet the demand for methanol as a future marine fuel.
The units are suitable for both two-stroke and four-stroke engines and can be adapted to suit the conversion of existing engines to dual-fuel methanol operation.
The company says it has already received ‘significant interest’ in the units and is in advanced conversations with shipowners, operators, OEMs, and shipyards on supply and installation, and expects to deliver the first system in 2023.
‘Shipowners want to invest in green fuels, but the challenge lies in finding the right solution and inspiring confidence to drive uptake,’ said Auramarine CEO, John Bergman.
‘At Auramarine, we provide an expert technical review of a vessel or fleet’s fuel supply systems and determine the best possible adaptation of existing equipment to effectively and safely handle methanol and other future fuels such as biofuel and ammonia.’
The Methanol Fuel Supply Units, which can be applied to newbuildings or retrofitted, ensure the safe delivery of methanol from the service tank to the Master Fuel Valve, regulating the flow, pressure and temperature of the methanol to meet the specific requirements of the engine. The system actively maintains the supply pressure within the specified tolerances during load changes and filters the fuel to prevent any impurities from entering the engine.
‘With future fuel uncertainty leading to some ship owners stalling newbuild orders, we need to scrutinise every aspect of the supply process and analyse the supporting fuel supply infrastructure to ensure ship owners are empowered to make the right decision,’ said Bergman.
