Business

Hexagon Purus and partners in ZeroCoaster project to accelerate maritime transition

Project study is funded by The Research Council of Norway; one of the main objectives is to evaluate and challenge bunkering technologies and logistics operations.

Published

3 years ago

October 20, 2021

Admin

Technology firm Hexagon Purus on Monday (18 October) said it will join the work package Zero Emission Compressed Hydrogen (ZECH) which is part of the ZeroCoaster project study coordinated by Vard, a global ship design and shipbuilding company.

The study aims to research, evaluate and present zero emission ship design solutions using alternative fuel systems. The ZeroCoaster represents coastal bulk cargo operations in Norway. Systems and component solutions revealed in the project are applicable for scaling and reconfiguring for other maritime applications.

The project study is funded by The Research Council of Norway. One of the main objectives is to evaluate and challenge bunkering technologies and logistics operations, with a focus on safety, cost, and capacity.

Hexagon Purus will contribute its knowledge and expertise in storage and distribution of compressed hydrogen gas using Type 4 composite cylinder technology.

Sharing knowledge to accelerate zero emission maritime solutions

Norway has set a target to reduce emissions with 50 % by 2030, and there is a growing national demand for zero emission vessels along the Norwegian coast. If Norway's target for cutting emissions by 2030 is to be implemented, 700 low-emission and approximately 400 zero-emission ships will be required, of these; 450 bulk and cargo ships.

The development aims to research and propose a cost competitive hydrogen value chain that can support and accelerate the transition to zero emission shipping solutions.

“We see wide benefits of working with Vard and the project partners. We have the technology needed to store and distribute compressed hydrogen in a large scale and look forward to sharing our expertise,” says Håvard Stave, Technical Sales Manager Maritime, Hexagon Purus.

“It is an excellent opportunity for us to learn from each other, while driving the transition to zero emission maritime applications."

The project will be conducted using an already developed concept design platform of the ZeroCoaster cargo ship prepared by Vard. By using simulation-driven-ship-design, the project will develop economic and technical key performance indicators for the use of alternative fuels on ships.

The project is scheduled for completion by end of 2021.

Facts about ZeroCoaster:

Through the pilot project within Green Shipping Program, a concept design has already been developed, with focus on flexibility and modularity. This is achieved with a scalable hull and modular power generation.

This concept design will now be added to a production-ready design, with the necessary drawings and specifications, and will cover ship sizes of 2000 to 8000 deadweight tonnage. It is precisely within these segments that the need for fleet renewal is greatest.

Type: General Cargo ship
Load capacity : 4,000 – 5,500 dwt
Load: Most bulk and volume loads, incl. IMO 5.1 &4.2
Length and Width: L 99m, B 15m
Speed: 8-12 knots
Area of operation: The Nordic region and Europe
Range: 600 – 2000 nm
Propulsion system: fully electric
Energy system: Modularized and ready for battery, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol & LNG

The overall list of participants are:

Vard
DNV
Trosvik Maritime
SINTEF Ocean
ABB
HK Shipping
Flowchange
Statkraft
Hexagon Purus

Photo credit: Hexagon Purus
Published: 20 October, 2021

LNG Bunkering

Japan: MOL’s third LNG-fuelled ferry “Sunflower Kamuy” starts operation in Oarai

“Sunflower Kamuy” will serve the Oarai-Tomakomai route between Ibaraki Prefecture and Hokkaido as a replacement for the Sunflower Daisetsu, says MOL.

Published

1 day ago

January 24, 2025

Admin

Japan: MOL third LNG-fuelled ferry “Sunflower Kamuy” starts operation in Oarai

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) on Thursday (23 January) announced that the LNG-fuelled ferry Sunflower Kamuy, owned by MOL and operated by its group company MOL Sunflower, entered service in Oarai.

The vessel will be the third LNG-fuelled ferry operated by MOL Sunflower, following the Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, which have been in service on the Osaka-Beppu route from 2023.

Sunflower Kamuy will serve the Oarai-Tomakomai route between Ibaraki Prefecture and Hokkaido as a replacement for the Sunflower Daisetsu.

Along with the sister vessel Sunflower Pirka, scheduled to enter service in early summer 2025, MOL Sunflower will operate a fleet of four LNG-fuelled ferries on the Oarai-Tomakomai route and the Osaka-Beppu route within 2025.

MOL Sunflower operates 10 ferries and 4 RoRo vessels on six routes throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, providing service for both logistics and passengers in Japan.

Photo credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Published: 24 January, 2025

Winding up

Singapore: Notice of preferential dividend issued for Asia-Pacific Shipyard

Creditors will need to submit proofs to liquidators of Asia-Pacific Shipyard Pte Ltd by 6 February, according to a Government Gazette notice.

Published

1 day ago

January 24, 2025

Admin

A notice of preferential dividend for Otto Marine Limited, which is in liquidation, was published on the Government Gazette on Friday (9 September).

The following are details of the notice:

Name of Company : Asia-Pacific Shipyard Pte Ltd (In Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation)
Unique Entity No./Registration No. : 197300183MAddress of Registered Office : 8 Wilkie Road, #03-08 Wilkie Edge, Singapore 228095

Last Day for Receiving Proofs : 6 February 2025

Name of Liquidators : Ng Kian Kiat and Yap Hui Li

Address of Liquidators : c/o RSM SG Corporate Advisory Pte. Ltd., 8 Wilkie Road #03-08, Wilkie Edge, Singapore 228095

Photo credit: Drew Beamer
Published: 24 January, 2024

LNG Bunkering

SEA-LNG report: Number of LNG-fuelled vessels in operation up by over 33% in 2024

Based on its latest ‘View from the Bridge’ report, SEA-LNG reported an annual vessel growth of over 33% to 638 LNG-fuelled vessels in operation worldwide in 2024.

Published

1 day ago

January 24, 2025

Admin

SEA-LNG report: Number of LNG-fuelled vessels in operation up by over 33% in 2024

Industry coalition SEA-LNG on Thursday (24 January) reported an annual vessel growth of over 33% to 638 LNG-fuelled vessels in operation worldwide in 2024.

This was one of the findings of SEA-LNG’s annual ‘View from the Bridge’ report, highlighting 2024 as another year of growth for the LNG pathway.

Analysing data from SEA-LNG members, the report found that global market adoption and growth reached record heights in 2024.

Looking forward, over 1,200 vessels are expected to be operating by the end of 2028. In 2024, LNG dual-fuelled vessels accounted for 70% of alternative fuelled tonnage ordered, excluding LNG Carriers, up from 43% in 2023.

This record expansion follows the growing availability of LNG bunker fuel beyond the traditional bunkering hubs. Currently, LNG bunkers are accessible in approximately 198 ports worldwide, and plans are underway for bunkering facilities in an additional 78 ports. This comes as over 60 LNG bunkering vessels are operating today, marking a 22% increase from 2023.

The ‘View from the Bridge’ report also highlights how the LNG pathway took a significant step in 2024, with liquified biomethane delivering on decarbonisation and regular renewable e-methane supplies expected in 2026.

SEA-LNG members are prepared to offer biomethane bunkers in some 70 ports globally, with multiple bunkering operations already taking place.

A highlight was the successful biomethane bunkering pilot as part of the Methane Track within the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). This was the first practical delivery of any international Green Corridor since they were announced as part of the Clydebank Declaration at COP 26 in Glasgow.

Peter Keller, chairman of SEA-LNG, said: “Our latest View from the Bridge reaffirms the importance of the LNG pathway as a practical and realistic route to shipping’s decarbonisation now. We continue to believe that the shipping industry is heading towards a successful multi-fuel future where LNG will always play a critical role.”

“To deliver net zero by 2050 across the global shipping fleet, a basket of fuels is required and the LNG pathway will continue to lead the way. This is not a case of my fuel versus your fuel but rather which fuel best allows the industry to reach its stated goals. The LNG pathway provides the path to net zero.”

SEA-LNG’s latest report also highlights that 2024 has seen considerable progress in addressing methane slip. “Advances in eliminating methane slip, in combination with biomethane and e-methane, provide a clear, effective, and viable long-term pathway towards net zero emissions. Shipowners and operators can be confident that the vessels ordered today are future-proofed for their lifespan.”

“With a proven track record of technical improvements to reduce methane slip and upstream emissions, coupled with tighter regulations from global and regional authorities, we continue to believe methane slip will be a non-issue by the end of this decade,” Keller continued.

FuelEU Maritime will be a key regulation in advancing shipping industry decarbonisation, heading into 2025. According to analysis from SEA-LNG, FuelEU Maritime creates a favourable environment for the LNG pathway.

With the ability to achieve GHG emissions reductions of up to 23%, LNG-fuelled vessels are compliant until 2039. The use of liquefied biomethane and e-methane can extend compliance through to 2050 and beyond.

Note: The full report is available for download here.

Photo credit: SEA-LNG
Published: 24 January, 2025