General objectives
The Sustainable Marine Methanol (SUMMETH) project has the overall objective of advancing the technological development and providing recommendations for introduction of methanol as an alternative fuel for coastal and inland waterway vessels to reduce their emissions and carbon footprint. The project intends to investigate methanol combustion concepts and ship fuel systems that will lead to cost effective alternatives for ship operators to reduce their emissions and carbon footprint.
Scientific and technological aims of the project
SUMMETH will investigate the potential for the existing marine market to adapt to methanol, test and evaluate different methanol combustion concepts, and provide recommendations for on-board systems and adaptations required for these concepts. The distribution and availability of renewable methanol for marine transport will also be evaluated. Specific aims of the project are as follows:
- Test and evaluate different methanol combustion concepts in a laboratory to identify the best alternative with regards to short, medium and long term perspective for the smaller engine segment (about 250 kW to 1200 kW)
- Identify the total GHG reduction potential from using methanol as marine fuel by means of market investigations of marine engines in the relevant segment
- Develop a case design for a ship conversion of an existing road ferry for diesel to methanol operation
- Provide recommendations on conversion needs for smaller vessel types, based on results from the case design and results of the engine development and testing work
- Assessment of the requirements for transport and distribution of methanol for marine fuel, and assessment of availability of sustainably produced methanol for the marine market. This will include identification of any barriers to provision and uptake of renewable methanol and technologies.