Bremen-based SAACKE Marine Systems, developer and manufacturer of thermal process marine system solutions, has received an ABS Approval in Principle (AiP) for the use of methanol as fuel for boiler systems on board cruise ships and tankers.
This technological milestone is the result of long-standing co-operation with Nantong Ocean Ship Equipment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China COSCO Shipping Corp, which goes under the name of COSAACKE.
The company explained that methanol is considered an alternative propulsion fuel and promises enormous potential for innovative combustion technologies that can play an important part in achieving the maritime industry’s de-carbonisation goals.
Dennis Lühr, SAACKE Marine Systems business unit’s head of sales, explained: “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 knowhow within the scope of a further developed re-design for use on board. With the ground breaking 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,” he said.
SAACKE already supplies environmentally friendly and energy-efficient firing systems for seagoing vessels, offshore installations and LNGCs.
The portfolio includes the development and construction of new plants and retrofits for marine boilers, burner and firing systems, as well as for 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 customised equipment for the shipbuilding and European cruise markets, mainly based in Asia, as well as for special tonnage built, repaired and modernised worldwide, the company said.
