Alfa Laval, a Swedish company that specializes in centrifugal separation, heat transfer, and fluid handling technologies, has announced that it will commence the testing of two new types of marine fuels, methanol and biofuels, at its Test and Training facility in Denmark.
Estimates have it that making these non-carbon fuels commercially viable could have a huge impact on the marine sector in its goal to achieve zero-carbon shipping.
It is worth mentioning that the International Maritime Organization has set out targets of achieving a 50% reduction in vessel-based GHG emissions by the end of 2050. To meet the long-term goal of decarbonization, the marine sector needs to make a radical shift towards new fuel types and technologies.
Seemingly, the Alfa Laval Test and Training Unit in Denmark is undertaking key measured to test unique types of fuels to develop equipment for the vessel engine rooms and meet the industry’s goal towards decarbonization. The 2800 m2 testing facility which is equipped for the various oil and gas fuels has been readied to test methanol and biofuels. The test is likely to commence during spring.
In a statement, Sameer Kalra, President of the Marine Division at Alfa Laval, mentioned that the company is aiming at developing viable technology solutions along with leading marine players, so that its customers can achieve their clean-fuel target irrespective of the fuel pathway.
For the record, with ships having a lifetime of 20 years or more, zero-carbon emission vessels will enter the global feet by 2030 for a 50% reduction which is likely to be achieved by the end of 2050.
Citing reports, the world’s first carbon-neutral liner vessel is expected to be launched by 2023 and the methanol-fueled vessel will be ready for delivery within two years.