Rolls-Royce has successfully tested the world’s first high-speed marine engine powered solely by methanol at its Friedrichshafen facility. This innovative project, supported by the German Federal Ministry, aims for climate-neutral shipping solutions by 2025. Initial tests show promising results, positioning green methanol as a viable fuel for marine operators.
Shipowners are seeking ways to extend vessel life while meeting IMO decarbonization goals. Lomar Shipping’s lomarlabs is collaborating with Newlight to create hydrogen retrofits for ships, allowing diesel engines to use a hydrogen blend. This innovative approach could cut fuel use by up to 30%, with pilot installations set for summer 2025.
Swiss marine power company WinGD has completed successful shop tests of its variable compression ratio (VCR) technology, showing significant reductions in methane emissions. The innovative technology offers cost advantages for vessel applications and aligns with the company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. WinGD envisions a transition towards zero-emission marine fuels.
Gaslog, a leading LNG carrier operator, has partnered with Propulsion Analytics to develop a customized engine performance analysis platform. Utilizing high-frequency data from onboard sensors, the platform aims to optimize engine condition assessment, performance, and maintenance decisions. This collaboration highlights a commitment to sustainable and efficient maritime operations through innovative digital solutions.
Two crewmembers tragically lost their lives in an engine room fire aboard the general cargo ship FG Sevil on October 31. The vessel, en route from Yalova, Turkey to Bulgaria, caught fire off Sedef Island in the Sea of Marmara. Turkish rescue teams responded swiftly, but two crewmembers were found deceased.
Hyundai Heavy Industries has achieved a major breakthrough in developing ammonia-fueled engines with a unique high-pressure injection method. The engine has passed model testing and is ready for commercialization, featuring a high-pressure direct injection method. This advancement aligns with the industry’s shift towards eco-friendly fuels, with other companies also making strides in ammonia technology.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has admitted to falsifying test results for its marine engines to meet standards, joining other Japanese manufacturers in scandal. While safety is assured, NOx emissions calculations may be impacted. Ministry requests investigation. Over 6,200 engines affected. Company vows to address issue and prevent future misconduct.
Japan’s IHI Power Systems Company issued an apology for altering fuel consumption data for decades. Inspectors raided their manufacturing plants in Niigata and Gunma prefectures. An employee reported the fraud in February 2024, revealing that over half of the engines shipped did not meet specifications. The company is investigating potential violations of marine engine regulations.
The EU Emissions Trading System now includes maritime transport emissions to drive sustainability. Accurate fuel consumption monitoring is crucial for cost savings and emission reduction. Aquametro’s advanced onboard monitoring systems like flowmeters and FPS can track fuel consumption, identify inefficiencies, and optimize performance for a greener maritime sector.
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), a major Japanese shipping company, has ordered 4 × 2 × 5G70ME-GA Mk. 10.5 engines from MAN Energy Solutions for the construction of 4 × 174,000 cbm LNG carriers. The engines will feature MAN Energy Solutions’ EGRBP emissions-reduction technology, offering a low CAPEX solution for LNG carriers.
