HyMethShip

  • 11/08/21

HyMethShip system innovatively combines a membrane reactor, a CO2 capture system, a storage system for CO2 and methanol as well as a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine into one system. The proposed solution reforms methanol to hydrogen, which is then burned in a conventional reciprocating engine that has been upgraded to operate with multiple fuel types and specially optimized for hydrogen use. The drastic CO2 reduction is the result of using renewable methanol as the energy carrier and implementing pre-combustion CO2 capture and storage on the ship. The renewable methanol fuel bunkered on the ship is ideally produced on-shore from the captured CO2, thus closing the CO2 loop of the ship propulsion system. The HyMethShip project will undertake risk and safety assessments to ensure that the system fulfills safety requirements for on-board use and that its safety is at least equivalent to that of conventional ship fuel and propulsion systems. It will also take into account the rules and regulations under development for low flashpoint fuels and is expected to contribute to regulatory development in this area. The cost effectiveness of the system for different ship types, applications and use cases will also be assessed. For medium and long-distance waterborne transportation, the HyMethShip concept is considered to be the best approach available that achieves this level of CO2 reduction and is economically feasible. Developing this solution can help the European shipping industry maintain its global advantage as a producer of technically advanced ships and equipment.