85% Larger Methanol Fuel Tank

 

Methanol Superstorage offers up to 85% larger methanol fuel tank capacity for storing methanol compared to the traditional cofferdam solution.

Designed by FPE to reinvent methanol storage using Sandwich Plate System (SPS).

Benefits

  • Increase up to +85% Methanol fuel tank capacity
  • Modifications made to existing tanks
  • Minor impact to general arrangement
  • Fully integrating the solution from the bunkering station to the fuel preparation room
  • Time & Cost efficient
  • Higher level of safety by triple barrier
  • No inspections / maintenance for cofferdams

Challenge

Methanol requires more than double the volume compared to heavy fuel for the same energy content. Traditional methods of storing low flashpoint fuels like methanol require cofferdams (minimum of 600mm), which decreases the autonomy of a ship significantly.

 

Methanol

 

Methanol has established itself as a strong option for meeting International Maritime Organization requirements for ships to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2030 and by at least 70% by 2040 (compared to 2008). Technologies such as hydrogen fuel and carbon capture will take some years to mature before they can help meet IMO’s net-zero target for around 2050. 

While renewably-sourced methanol fits the net-zero framework, and the fuel is fairly easy to store and handle as a liquid in ambient conditions, it takes twice as much to generate the same energy as traditional marine fuels. On board ship, this is a major storage issue, especially because low flashpoint fuel tanks conventionally also require cofferdams. 

Increase up to +85% Methanol fuel tank volume

Methanol Superstorage reinvents methanol storage using the proven SPS Technology Sandwich Plate System. Instead of a cofferdam which extends – at least - to 600mm, the solution uses a 25mm thick SPS barrier to protect the methanol tank from fire.

The Technology

 

The SPS Technology Sandwich Plate System is a permanent, class-approved and A60 fire rating certified structural composite, used in maritime and offshore applications for over two decades. 

APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE FOR DESIGN DOCUMENTS FROM LLOYD'S REGISTER

Lloyd's Register granted AiP for the design documents that show no major conceptual issues that would prevent the gaining of classification and regulatory compliance.

LR Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels, July 2022, Appendix LR1, Requirements for Ships Using Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) or Ethyl Alcohol.

 

FPE is fully integrating the solution from the bunkering station to the fuel preparation room