Alfa Laval FCM Methanol chosen as the fuel supply system for six methanol-fuelled container vessels

Alfa Laval technology is playing a leading role in the marine industry’s transition to carbon-neutral green methanol. In this year’s largest methanol order to date, the Alfa Laval FCM Methanol will be the low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) on six dual-fuel container vessels. The system was chosen for both its real-life performance and its high design flexibility.
 
Decisive in the move to methanol
Alfa Laval will provide the methanol LFSS for six 1170 TEU container vessels ordered by Eastaway, a member of the X-Press Feeders Group. The new vessel series, to be built at Chinese shipyards Ningbo Xinle Shipbuilding Group Co., Ltd and New Dayang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, will have two-stroke MAN B&W ME-LGIM engines that can run on methanol as well as conventional fuels. The FCM Methanol deliveries will begin in June 2023. 
 
“Alfa Laval is proud to be chosen for this significant methanol project,” says Peter Nielsen, President, Alfa Laval Marine Separation & Heat Transfer Equipment. “With their ability to sail on green methanol, these vessels will be front-runners in the move to carbon-neutral operations. Methanol is a major advance on the path to decarbonization, and the FCM Methanol can be instrumental for shipowners in making the leap.”
 
Adaptable and proven at sea
Because methanol technology is a new element in shipbuilding, yards adopt different setups to suit their learning curve. Given the complexity and scope in this project, the yards have hired engineering companies to procure and integrate the methanol-related components. The FCM Methanol was selected due to its unique flexibility and Alfa Laval’s extensive methanol experience.
 
With mature technologies and reliable automation, the FCM Methanol safely supplies methanol within the flow rate, pressure, temperature, and filtration parameters specified by the engine maker. Because it can be adapted to any engine and vessel design, it enables turnkey LFSS deliveries for easy installation. Since 2015, the system has been chosen in nearly 20 methanol projects for more than 10 large shipping companies.
 
“Over years at sea, the FCM Methanol has established a leading position in the industry,” says Alfa Laval’s Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems. “Shipowners can count on its proven automation to keep methanol operations safe and secure, but the design advantages are equally strong for engineering companies and shipbuilders. From integration to operation, the FCM Methanol makes it simpler to work with this new green fuel.”

This is Alfa Laval
Alfa Laval is a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, and is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets.

Alfa Laval’s innovative technologies are dedicated to purifying, refining, and reusing materials, promoting more responsible use of natural resources. They contribute to improved energy efficiency and heat recovery, better water treatment, and reduced emissions. Thereby, Alfa Laval is not only accelerating success for its customers, but also for people and the planet. Making the world better, every day.

Alfa Laval has 17,900 employees. Annual sales in 2021 were SEK 40.9 billion (approx. EUR 4 billion). The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

www.alfalaval.com

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