Safetytech Accelerator on Tuesday (21 January) said it has successfully completed three technology feasibility studies as part of its flagship Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII). 

The studies were done in collaboration with Chevron, Carnival Corporation, Shell and Seapeak.

The results of these feasibility studies showed strong potential to cut fugitive methane emissions in the maritime industry.

MAMII is exploring options to advance these research projects to on-ship trials as soon as possible. 

While methane slip - unburnt methane released during the combustion process - remains the largest source of methane emissions on ships, emissions across the LNG supply chain, from loading to engine delivery, are also a concern. 

These fugitive emissions are often unintended and short-lived, but identifying, quantifying, and mitigating them is essential to achieving industry-wide decarbonization goals.  

Xplorobot, Sorama and framergy were selected by MAMII to help address the vital need to detect, measure and capture fugitive methane emissions from LNG-fuelled ships.

Each provider selected for the trials brings expertise in a different technology, including: 

• Xplorobot: Provides a handheld device and AI-powered platform to detect and measure fugitive methane on ships using computer vision to pinpoint leak locations, overlay real-time emission rate data, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems for quick issue resolution without requiring specialised training. 
• Sorama: Develops acoustic cameras that detect fugitive gas by visualizing sound and vibration fields in 3D. Integrated AI and onboard software identify anomalies and classify sounds, enabling direct leak localization without complex analysis. 
• framergy: Specialises  in adsorbents and catalysts for methane emission management. Their product, AYRSORB™ F250GII, captures and stores fugitive methane by selectively filtering methane from the air, leveraging its ultra-high surface area and coordination chemistry. 

Feasibility Study Results Show Promise For Methane Abatement 

Xplorobot conducted a detailed evaluation of their Methane Compliance Solution, focusing on its efficacy in detecting and quantifying methane emissions on LNG carriers and LNG-powered vessels. 

The study targeted emissions from the warm side of the gas fuel line and both planned and unplanned venting events. Utilising comparable on-land data, this desktop analysis assessed how the technology would perform in maritime settings. 

The technology demonstrated accuracy levels of +/-30% for emissions over 500 grams per hour and +/-50% for emissions between 100 and 500 grams per hour, thanks to a refined neural network algorithm calibrated through controlled release experiments. Xplorobot's solution promises to reduce inspection time dramatically with the ability to inspect 50 to 100 components in under an hour—sometimes as quickly as 10 minutes. 

This efficiency, combined with automated digital emission tracking and compliance reporting, make the solution cost-effective. The next step is to deploy the kit in the field to further validate and optimise the technology for widespread adoption across the maritime industry.  

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 22 January, 2025

Technology group Wärtsilä on Tuesday (21 January) said French shipping company CMA CGM is the first to place an order for its engines with a new methane-reducing feature, which will be installed on eight LNG-operated container vessels.

The company introduced its new EnviroPac feature for the Wärtsilä 34DF constant speed engine. The feature is designed to significantly reduce methane emissions while maintaining the engine’s high-power output and compliance with IMO Tier 3 NOx requirements. 

The vessels are being built at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China. The engine order for the first two vessels was booked by Wärtsilä’s joint venture company, CWEC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., (‘CWEC’) in Q4 2024.

The eight 9200TEU LNG-powered vessels will each operate with two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF and two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF EnviroPac engines, as well as the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in early 2026.

When operating with LNG bunker fuel, the EnviroPac feature cuts methane emissions in half, compared to the standard Wärtsilä 34DF engine. 

This is without altering the existing power output of 520 kW per cylinder. In addition to the environmental benefit, the reduction in emissions has an impact on costs when operating in EU waters since it results in lesser penalties under both the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime (FEUM). 

The EnviroPac feature is available for both new and latest versions of existing Wärtsilä 34DF constant speed engines.

“This is a very important development that will have a major beneficial impact on our operations,” said Xavier Leclercq, Vice President, Newbuilding, CMA CGM. 

“We are working hard to minimise the environmental footprint throughout our fleet, and this latest technology from Wärtsilä provides strong support to these efforts.”

“We are proud to launch this new EnviroPac feature for our already efficient Wärtsilä 34DF engine. Our long-standing relationship with CMA CGM is once again enhanced with this order, and we complement them on their vision for actively achieving sustainability throughout their fleet,” said Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine.

Photo credit: Wärtsilä
Published: 22 January, 2025

Sunlight Group, a member of Olympia Group, and a technology company on Monday (20 January) announced the signing of the investment agreement for the acquisition of a 51% stake in Lehmann Marine, marking a strategic entry into the rapidly growing maritime battery market. 

Strategically positioned near key global harbours, both companies are well-placed to respond quickly to market demands, with this acquisition further strengthening their competitive edge in the growing maritime battery sector.

Through its acquisition of a 51% stake in Lehmann Marine GmbH, Sunlight further strengthens its position in the expanding energy solutions market, while enhancing its portfolio of innovative technologies. 

With over 30 years of expertise in producing lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, Sunlight Group has established itself as a leader in advanced battery technology. Its manufacturing facilities produce innovative energy solutions for industrial mobility and specialised sectors such as submarine batteries.

Headquartered in Seevetal-Hittfeld, Germany, Lehmann Marine is recognised for its pioneering non-flammable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems approved by international class societies such as Bureau Veritas, DNV and RINA. 

Together, the two companies are ideally positioned to lead the way in providing high-performance, energy-efficient solutions to meet the increasing demand for sustainable shipping technologies.

This partnership unlocks significant growth opportunities for both companies. With Lehmann Marine's strong pipeline surpassing its current production capacity, Sunlight’s expertise in scalability, manufacturing excellence and efficiency will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for maritime battery systems. 

The companies’ robust R&D teams will work closely to drive innovation and develop cutting-edge solutions. Joint initiatives, including shared procurement of lithium cells, production line automation, and cost optimisation in design, will help both companies improve operational efficiencies, enhance product competitiveness, and accelerate production.

Labros Bisalas, CEO of Sunlight Group, said: “By combining our expertise with Lehmann Marine’s, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of the rapidly growing maritime battery market.”

“Together, we are well-equipped to lead the transition to sustainable shipping solutions, driving both innovation and growth in an industry poised for significant expansion.

“With this multimillion-euro investment, Sunlight is positioning itself at the forefront of an industry driven by the increasing demand for sustainable shipping solutions.”

Alexander Lehmann, Managing Director of Lehmann Marine, said: “Partnering with Sunlight Group gives us a powerful ally. Their extensive knowledge and decades of experience in the global battery market will enhance our production significantly.”

“This collaboration opens new avenues to more effectively satisfy the growing demand for our maritime energy storage solutions, including our CUBE and COBRA battery systems.”

Photo credit: Sunlight Group
Published: 22 January, 2025