The novel system reduces greenhouse gas emissions, both carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, with LNG as fuel. If bioLNG is used, this solution will create a negative carbon footprint.
The decarbonization concept can make use of existing LNG infrastructure. In combination with Wärtsilä’s LNGPac™ fuel gas handling system, the concept enables onboard hydrogen production. This means ultimately, Wärtsilä’s flexible, multifuel engines, powered by a mixture of onboard hydrogen and LNG, will be able to reduce the ship’s CO2 and methane emissions. Alternatively, hydrogen can also be used in onboard fuel cells.
The by-product of the process is solid carbon, which can be more easily stored and handled on board, unlike post-combustion based CO2 capture and storage solutions. The carbon produced is of high quality and fit for industrial use, offering the potential for additional revenue.
The system will be scalable and modular, with the following features:
- An automated process for on-demand, onboard hydrogen production.
- Solid form carbon produced is stored on board and retrieved via existing port logistics globally.
- Baseline system components are designed based on standard container dimensions.
- Suitable for new builds and retrofits into LNG-fueled vessels.
- Depending on the engine, class requirement, etc., any level of hydrogen conversion can be provided, up to 100%.
- The weight of solid carbon stored on board is nearly one-fourth the weight of gaseous CO2 and takes up much less space. Even in liquefied form, CO2 requires more than three times the space of solid carbon tonnage.
The system enables companies to meet EU and International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations for 2050 with LNG fuel as baseline.
“We are investing in the development of marine fuels that can accelerate the transition to carbon-neutral shipping. The collaboration with Hycamite is an important step towards this goal. Our gas engines already run on a blend of hydrogen and LNG. The ability to produce hydrogen on board opens up interesting possibilities. It not only solves the lack of supply infrastructure, but also reduces safety risks in the storage and handling of liquid hydrogen and progressively reduces the environmental impact,” says Mathias Jansson, Wärtsilä’s director of fuel gas supply systems.
“We are delighted to be working with an established technology leader like Wärtsilä. Wärtsilä has a wealth of knowledge and experience in marine fuel gas distribution systems, and together we can make hydrogen supply and onboard storage a realistic option for the marine industry,” says Hycamite’s Founder and CEO Laura Rahikka.
