Bremen (Germany), 02 March 2023 – SAACKE Marine Systems, developer and manufacturer of marine system solutions for thermal processes, has received Approval in Principle for the use of methanol as fuel for boiler systems on board ocean-going tanker and cruise ships. This technological milestone is the result of a long-standing cooperation with Nantong Ocean Ship Equipment Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Ltd., under the name COSAACKE. The ship classification society, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), granted the crucial Approval in Principle at the end of 2022.
Methanol is considered an alternative propulsion fuel and promises enormous potential for innovative combustion technologies that can play an important part in achieving the decarbonisation goals of the maritime industry. As part of the transformation of the shipping sector, greenhouse gas emissions are to be halved by 2050 and ships powered by fuel oil are to be replaced or modernised by carbon-free engine systems.
Land-based expertise for methanol plants transferred to ship systems
Dennis Lühr, Head of Sales for SAACKE Marine Systems business unit, explains: “Recently, the shipping industry has invested more than ever in alternative fuels such as LNG, hydrogen, ammonia or methanol. However, it is not only low-emission freight transport with environmentally friendly burner and boiler systems that matters. Efficient processes, simple maintenance and reliable and economical operation are equally as important. At SAACKE, we have decades of experience in the land-based utilisation of methanol in firing systems and have now utilised this know-how within the scope of a further developed re-design for use on board. With the groundbreaking Approval in Principle for methanol boiler plants from COSAACKE, we are another big step closer to our goal of being able to offer alternative fuel systems for shipbuilders and operators.”
Already, SAACKE Marine Systems, headquartered in Bremen, supplies safe, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient firing systems for seagoing vessels, offshore installations and LNG tankers. The portfolio includes the development and construction of new plants and retrofits in the areas of marine boiler, burner and firing systems as well as gas combustion units (GCU). Through the long-term partnership with COSCO, SAACKE is pushing ahead with its climate strategy and supplying customers and partners with a wide range of custom-fit equipment for the shipbuilding and European cruise markets, mainly based in Asia, as well as for special tonnage built, repaired and modernised worldwide.