Connect with us

Retrofit

LR report: Lack of yard capacity and capability could compromise marine retrofit ambitions

LR’s new Engine Retrofit Report highlights a shortage of repair yards with experience in conversions may hinder the take up of alternative bunker fuel technology by existing fleet.

Admin

Published

on

278

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (10 October) said its report on the state of technology, integration and compliance, alongside the business case for retrofitting vessels, has found that repair yard capability and capacity concerns could thwart the uptake of alternative marine fuel technology onboard existing ships.

The Engine Retrofit Report, has identified that retrofitting a significant number of the 9,000 and 12,900 large merchant vessels estimated to be part of the global fleet in 2030, could rapidly accelerate the maritime energy transition. However, it warns that these ambitions could be jeopardised by the limited number of repair yards currently capable of performing such conversions. 

Key factors influencing the size of the market and the timing of retrofits, include the date by which shipping begins building only zero-emission vessels, as well as the age at which owners or operators decide to retrofit their vessels and the suitable engine types and bore sizes.

The study, which analyses the state of engine retrofit demand, capacity, and uptake, also points to the new skills in naval architecture, electrical engineering, and fuel handling which will be required if the industry is to use retrofitting as an effective tool to accelerate decarbonisation. 

One of the key challenges with retrofits identified in the report is system integration, with significant issues such as accommodation for larger fuel tanks, space for fuel preparation equipment and ensuring safety measures are in place, all providing obstacles to rapidly retrofitting the existing fossil fuel fleet. 

Techno-economic modelling data revealed in the study shows that the use of renewable methanol or ammonia would significantly increase fuel costs, in some cases more than doubling for vessels in all segments, however, a low-cost scenario, where alternative fuels decrease in price and carbon pricing rises, could tip the balance in favour of alternative fuels. 

The study also highlights the importance of human factor considerations, underlining how the critical aspect of impact on crew members can often be overlooked during retrofitting. Assessing ergonomics, roles and responsibilities, competency and training, procedures processes, and occupational health will play a crucial role in ensuring retrofitting is safe and effective for ship operators. 

The report includes updates on the latest technology from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) including Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions and WinGD.

Claudene Sharpe-Patel, Lloyd’s Register Technology Director, said: “Decarbonising the existing fleet is crucial for reducing the maritime industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. Without significant progress in this area, there could be as many as 20,000 commercial vessels relying on fossil fuels by 2050. We must, therefore, focus industry efforts on addressing the issues that LR’s Engine Retrofit Report raises such as yard capacity, conversion capability and system integration, helping stakeholders from the maritime value chain navigate the obstacles to installing future fuels technology on the existing global fleet.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 11 October, 2023

Continue Reading

Retrofit

Matson boxship “Kaimana Hila” returns to service after LNG conversion

“Kaimana Hila” is the latest vessel to operate on LNG bunker fuel, joining its sister ships, “Daniel K. Inouye” and “Manukai”; Matson has ordered three new LNG-ready containerships from Philly Shipyard.

Admin

Published

on

By

Matson boxship “Kaimana Hila” returns to service after LNG conversion

Shipowner Matson on Friday (13 December) announced that its containership Kaimana Hila is back in service after completing the company’s third LNG conversion. 

A new bow windshield was also added for improved aerodynamics and fuel conservation.

Kaimana Hila is the latest vessel to operate on LNG, joining its sister ships, Daniel K. Inouye and Manukai

Manukai underwent a complete repowering, replacing its engine with a dual-fuel engine like those powering Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila

These conversions are part of Matson’s long-term strategy to reduce Scope 1 fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Matson has ordered three new Aloha Class containerships from Philly Shipyard. The first, Makua, is under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026. 

All three vessels will join the fleet LNG-ready but can operate on conventional fuels as needed. 

Like their sisterships Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, each vessel will boast numerous “green ship” technology features, such as a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks, and freshwater ballast systems.

 

Photo credit: Matson
Published: 17 December, 2024

Continue Reading

Methanol

MAN ES to convert 10 more Maersk vessels to run on methanol bunker fuel

This comes following the successful methanol engine retrofit of Very Large Container Vessel “Maersk Halifax”, which was originally powered by an MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 prime mover.

Admin

Published

on

By

MAN ES to convert 10 more Maersk vessels to run on methanol bunker fuel

Engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions on Monday (9 December) said Maersk has placed a pre-order for MAN PrimeServ to convert an additional 10 vessels from its fleet to methanol operation.

This comes following the successful methanol engine retrofit of Very Large Container Vessel Maersk Halifax. The 15,000 teu vessel entered service in 2017 and was originally powered by an MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 prime mover. 

The retrofit to an 8G95ME-LGIM Mk10.5 engine enables the Maersk Halifax to operate on green methanol, making it possible to reduce its CO2 emissions by 90%.

The retrofit also included an upgrade to the vessel’s engine-control system to MAN Energy Solutions’ latest Triton system. Following the completion of sea-trials, Maersk Halifax has returned to operation and is now servicing A.P. Moller - Maersk’s (Maersk) Trans-Pacific trade.

Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk, said: “Since we set the ambitious climate goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040, we have explored the potential in retrofitting existing vessels with dual-fuel engines.”

“In the coming year, we will take learnings from this first conversion of a large vessel. Retrofits of existing vessels can be an important alternative to newbuilds in our transition from fossil fuels to low-emission fuels.”

Michael Petersen, Senior Vice President and Head of PrimeServ Denmark, said: “Retrofits are one of the five growth areas identified in MAN Energy Solutions’ ‘Moving Big Things To Zero’ strategy, enabling shipowners to drastically reduce CO2 emissions without having to commission newbuilds.”

“Retrofitted engines are able to switch between fuels with minimal disruption, flexibility that is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and reliability. At PrimeServ, we estimate that more than 4,000 existing marine engines have the potential to be converted to operation on green fuels like e-methanol and e-methane.”

 

Photo credit: MAN Energy Solutions
Published: 11 December, 2024

Continue Reading

MoU

DNV and Seatrium team up for marine and offshore innovation and development

Both parties will work closely on optimizing existing processes and improving efficiencies across newbuilding, conversion and retrofit projects.

Admin

Published

on

By

DNV and Seatrium team up for marine and offshore innovation and development

Classification society DNV on Monday (18 November) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-headquartered engineering solutions provider Seatrium to cooperate on strategic activities and projects in the areas of engineering, technology and new product design.

Under the MoU, DNV will provide Seatrium with expert advice on market and regulatory trends, emerging technologies, and best practices for environmental, safety and quality standards, in the maritime and offshore sectors. Both parties will work closely on optimizing existing processes and improving efficiencies across newbuilding, conversion and retrofit projects. 

Collaboration opportunities with other organizations and institutes will also be explored to advance technologies that tackle key challenges in the marine and offshore sectors.

Additionally, the cooperation will leverage DNV and Seatrium’s combined capabilities to drive and support technological and digital advancements in the marine and offshore industries. Key focus areas include floating offshore wind turbines, hydrogen and ammonia production platforms, and next-generation Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units. The collaboration will also draw on DNV’s expertise in the integration of advanced cyber security and digital solutions into Seatrium’s suite of digital services. 

Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV, said: "This agreement with Seatrium marks an important step in building marine and offshore solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future. By combining our innovation and execution strengths into the decarbonization and digitalization space, we are well-positioned to deliver transformative solutions that can address challenges and opportunities across key industries."

Chris Ong, CEO of Seatrium, said: "At Seatrium, we firmly believe that innovation is the cornerstone of a sustainable future for the marine and offshore industry. Our collaboration with DNV signifies a pivotal leap forward in harnessing state-of-the-art technologies and engineering solutions that not only address today's energy challenges, but also lay a strong foundation for maritime decarbonization.”

“Leveraging our deep expertise in advanced engineering and project execution, Seatrium is committed to driving transformative change that enhances safety, quality and efficiency, as well as providing strategic stewardship towards a cleaner and greener energy future for our industry."

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, added: “We are excited to strengthen our long-standing collaboration with Seatrium to drive sustainable advancements in the marine and offshore sectors.”

“Enhancing process efficiencies and harnessing digitalization are key enablers of the energy transition. By working together with Seatrium we can help the industry meet the rapidly evolving environmental, technological and regulatory challenges in its journey towards a decarbonized future."

During the ceremony, DNV also awarded two Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates to Seatrium for two new floating offshore wind turbine designs, the FWSS (Floating Wind Semi-Submersible) and SWACH (Small Waterplane Area Cylindrical Hull). 

The FWSS design is a floating column foundation for 15MW wind turbines, optimized for efficient fabrication and cost-effectiveness, while the SWACH design features a cylindrical floating foundation for 15MW turbines, engineered for ease of fabrication and handling.

With the floating offshore wind market set for significant growth over the coming years, these innovative designs are important in offering new floating wind solutions that can contribute to the advancement of the energy transition. The AiPs were awarded based on DNV's recently updated DNV-RU-OU-0512 (Floating wind installations) offshore rules.

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 25 November, 2024 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • Zhoushan Bunker
  • Sea Trader & Sea Splendor
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF
  • SBF2
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan
  • Aderco Manifold Website Advert EN
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • Consort advertisement v2

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • E MARINE LOGO
  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • Singfar advertisement final
  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2
  • HL 2022 adv v1


  • CNC Logo Rev Manifold Times
  • Auramarine 01
  • Mokara Final
  • endress
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • PSP Marine logo
  • Golden Island logo square
  • Innospec logo v6
  • Victory Logo
  • Kenoil
  • LabTechnic
  • Headway Manifold
  • VPS 2021 advertisement
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1
  • 400x330 v2 copy

Trending