AiP for Methanol Superstorage solution on existing ships
(Posted on 06/10/23)
A new and space efficient retrofit methanol storage solution from SRC Group has received Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register, signifying that no major conceptual issues have been identified as standing in the way of its securing classification approval and regulatory compliance.
Methanol Superstorage offers the potential for ships with years of service ahead to be considered for transition to a marine fuel established as a frontrunner for meeting IMO targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions from ships by at least 20% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 (against a base year of 2008). Other 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.
Clarksons reported 14% of tonnage on order as methanol-capable earlier this year, compared to a 22% share for liquefied natural gas. The analyst has estimated that 1,200 ships could be powered by methanol by 2030.
However, while renewably-sourced methanol fits the net-zero framework, and is fairly easy to store and handle, it takes twice as much to generate the same energy as HFO. On board ship, this is a major storage issue, especially because low flashpoint fuel tanks conventionally require cofferdams.
Although space penalties can be addressed in newbuild ship design, even the youngest existing ships were not built with retrofitting methanol in mind. Methanol Superstorage avoids cofferdams by constructing tank walls using Sandwich Plate System Technology, in a solution boosting volume by up to 85%. The extraordinary gain can be retrofitted with minimal impact on the general arrangement.
“Due to long-established use in other industries, availability and performance, methanol is the alternative marine fuel offering the strongest potential to reduce ship GHGs at pace,” said Hannes Lilp, CEO, SRC Group. “Methanol Superstorage reinvents methanol storage using the proven SPS Technology system. Instead of a cofferdam which extends – at least - to 600mm, the solution uses a 25mm thick SPS barrier to protect the tank from fire and as a triple barrier against leakage.”
Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) service provider SRC Group, whose experience in complex maritime and offshore refits extends across over 5,000 projects, developed Methanol Superstorage to ensure that existing ships play a full part in energy transition, he said. AiP for its supporting design documents opened the way for wider scrutiny of a concept which, subject to statutory approval, would be decisive in making methanol a mainstream fuel for existing ships.
The SPS Technology Sandwich Plate System is a permanent, A60 fire rating certified structural composite, used in maritime and offshore applications for over two decades and approved by all major IACS class societies across a range of applications.
AiP from LR relates specifically to ships outlined in Part G of SOLAS Ch. II-1. SRC would deliver EPCI services, fully integrating the new solution “from the bunkering station to the high-pressure pump,” said Lilp.
Founded in 2001, SRC is a multi-regional company with 22 years of experience in managing marine & offshore projects that require tailored solutions and short lead times.
Latest News
Wallem Group reaches a century in Hong Kong
(Posted on 04/11/25)Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, is celebrating the centenary of moving its headquarters... Read more
INTERCARGO celebrates record membership ahead of 45th Anniversary
(Posted on 04/11/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is marking its 45th anniversary in... Read more
NORDEN reports net profit of US$26m in Q3 2025
(Posted on 04/11/25)Net profit for the Group amounted to USD 26 million (DKK 166 million) in the third quarter of 2025,... Read more
ClassNK releases 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)'
(Posted on 04/11/25)ClassNK has released 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)' first in... Read more
InterManager urges Seafarer participation in Enclosed-Space Safety Survey
(Posted on 27/10/25)Following the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) newly tightened rules on enclosed... Read more
DNV: Nuclear propulsion is viable solution for maritime decarbonisation
(Posted on 27/10/25)According to a new paper by DNV, shifting environmental requirements are reigniting interest in nuclear... Read more
MoU on cooperation Between Zhejiang Seaport and Columbia
(Posted on 24/10/25)Zhejiang Seaport Group and Columbia Group Limited have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of... Read more
INTERCARGO statement on Extraordinary Meeting of MEPC
(Posted on 20/10/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has released a statement on the Extraordinary... Read more
Investigation into impact of technology on seafarers
(Posted on 20/10/25)The future of shipping is already here. From autonomous systems to artificial intelligence, maritime... Read more
ESL Shipping’s science-based net-zero targets validated by SBTi
(Posted on 17/10/25)The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved ESL Shipping’s near and long-term... Read more
