Lloyds Register’s Safetytech Accelerator program has announced it has completed three technology feasibility studies under its Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII).
Safetytech Accelerator said in a statement issued today (21 January) that the studies, conducted in collaboration with Chevron, Carnival Corporation & plc, Shell, and Seapeak, indicate strong potential for reducing fugitive methane emissions in the shipping sector. The initiative is now exploring the next step of conducting on-ship trials.
MAMII was launched in September 2022 to advance technologies for detecting, measuring, and mitigating methane emissions in the maritime sector. BP Shipping, CMA CGM and GTT all joined the initiative in September 2024, bringing the total number of partners to 23.
The studies focused on solutions from three technology providers: Xplorobot, Sorama, and Framergy. Each company demonstrated a distinct approach to addressing fugitive methane emissions on LNG-fuelled ships.
Xplorobot developed a handheld device with an AI-powered platform for detecting and measuring methane leaks using computer vision. Their feasibility study showed accuracy levels of +/-30% for emissions over 500 grams per hour and +/-50% for emissions between 100 and 500 grams per hour. The technology is designed to inspect 50 to 100 components in under an hour.
‘Participating in Safetytech Accelerator’s MAMII program has been an invaluable experience for Xplorobot. Working with industry leaders provided in-depth insights into the methane emission monitoring needs of the shipping industry,’ said Oleg Mikhailov, CEO of Xplorobot.
Sorama used acoustic cameras to detect and manage fugitive methane emissions. Its study proposed a six-month pilot with four fixed cameras monitoring the ship’s trunk deck and one handheld device for on-demand monitoring.
The third study from Framergy explored the application of its AYRSORB F250GII adsorbent material on LNG carriers to capture and store fugitive methane.
With the feasibility studies completed, MAMII is now evaluating options for on-ship trials to further refine and scale these technologies for industry-wide adoption.
