Sunday, 25 October 2020

MAN Energy Solutions to Lead Danish Consortium Developing Ammonia-Fuelled Engine for Maritime Sector

 


Innovation Fund Denmark supporting AEngine project that aims to deliver commercially viable, zero-carbon, two-stroke engine by 2024Innovation Fund Denmark, the Danish investment entity, has announced the establishment of a consortium to develop a two-stroke, ammonia-fueled engine for maritime shipping. 

It aims to specify and demonstrate an entire, marine-propulsion system that will pave the way for the first commercial order for an ammonia-fueled vessel.MAN Energy Solutions will lead the consortium that also numbers: Electronic FuelTech, the Danish fuel-system supplier; the Technical University of Denmark (DTU); and DNV GL, the leading classification society. 

Development of the engine is scheduled for 2024.Brian Østergaard Sørensen. Vice President, Head of Research & Development, Two-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, said: “MAN Energy Solutions has spoken in favor of a maritime energy transition in shipping for many years now and we understand the need to work with a wide group of industry partners to develop sustainable solutions. 

Ammonia is a fuel with a lot of potential and yet another, important step towards decarbonising the marine market. We already have a convincing track-record in developing engines running on alternative fuels – having developed the world’s first 2-stroke engines driven respectively by methanol, ethane and LPG – and have great expectations for this project. 

Project aims

As a marine fuel, ammonia has the potential to decarbonise the marine industry. The project aims to demonstrate – at full-scale – a large marine engine running on ammonia at MAN Energy Solutions’ test facility, Research Center Copenhagen. The project comprises three main stages:

 1. Concept development and initial design of an ammonia engine.

 2. Design of an ammonia fuel-supply system. 

 3. Full-scale testing.

 

Why ammonia? 

Ammonia is interesting because it is an energy carrier that does not contain carbon, and whose combustion therefore does not produce CO2. Similarly, its production from electricity doesn’t require a carbon-based source, while its production is infinitely scalable.Since large quantities of ammonia are already transported around the world, it is a well-established commodity with some 120 ports globally currently involved in its import/export and some with storage facilities. Thus, using ammonia to power ships would be a natural step with infrastructure already in place.

 

AEngine roles

The AEngine project is adopting an interdisciplinary approach to cover the implications of using ammonia as fuel aboard a ship, as evidenced by its participants.  

MAN Energy Solutions is the worlds’ leading designer of low-speed engines for the propulsion of large merchant ships, and will act as project coordinator. It will integrate all developed technology into an ammonia propulsion-train and be responsible for fuel injection, the combustion system, and emission after-treatment technology, as well as all on-engine components. It will also be responsible for the test facility and engine testing. 

Eltronic FuelTech is a leader in the development, production, installation and maintenance of fuel equipment for high- and low-pressure solutions within the maritime industry. It will be responsible for the engine’s fuel-supply system, including the Fuel Valve Train and its integration with tanks, and purging and venting systems. Eltronic FuelTech will also supply the AEngine fuel-supply system and Fuel Valve Train to the test facility.

DTU is Denmark’s largest technical university and has a strong international reputation in relation to ammonia as engine fuel. More specifically, its Department of Chemical Engineering will be involved in investigating the chemistry of ammonia combustion and the formation of pollutants during combustion. Similarly, DTU Department of Mechanical Engineering will support the project by acting as a consultant and transferring its experience from small ammonia-engine research to a larger-scale, full-size marine engine

DNV-GL is a leading classification society. It will cover safety regulation for the use of ammonia aboard ships and act as consultant on questions where design decisions have an impact on safety.

Monday, 19 October 2020

EURONAVAL 2020 Exhibition goes online (19 - 25 Oct)

 

 


 By connecting to EURONAVAL-ONLINE you will be able to:

  • VISIT THE ONLINE EXHIBITION and access the digital stands of the exhibitors to discover their news. See the list of exhibitors
  • ORGANIZE YOUR BTOB MEETINGS in videoconference with exhibitors more details
  • ATTENDING THE WORKSHOPS and online round tables in live consult the program
  • WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVENTIONS of political and military personalities and in particular that of the Minister of Armed Forces on Monday, October 19 at 10am.
  • FOLLOW OR REVIEW THE WEBCONFERENCES organized in partnership with the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) and supported by Lockheed Martin more details
  • ATTEND THE SEANNOVATION PITCH SESSIONS AND THE LIVE ROUND TABLES. Thirty start-ups are expected on the SEAnnovation digital space to discover
  • DISCOVER THE NEW SPACE “CYBER NAVAL HUB by FIC” which will present, online, the latest and most efficient solutions in the field of the protection of the digital systems of the naval defence. to discover

EURONAVAL Online exhibition is reserved for professionals and open also to students and learners over 18 years old. The access to Euronaval is free for visitors who processed to an online registration prior the fair.

HOURS
Monday October 19 to Sunday October 25, 2020: 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.





Thursday, 15 October 2020

MOI Composites Introduces the first 3D printed boat at Genoa boatshow ..

 

MAMBO (Motor Additive Manufacturing Boat) Commemorates a New Beacon for Boat Building with Design Innovation Award and Varo

(Milan, Italy Oct. 8, 2020) – What better way to announce to the world a revolutionary innovation than with a live demonstration of a real, functional 3D printed boat and varo, a ship launch ceremony. MAMBO, the world’s first 3D printed fiberglass boat, designed and 3D printed by Moi Composites (Moi), received its official inauguration in traditional Italian style and flair.

 

The varo featured Carla Demaria, CEO of I Saloni Nautici as the ceremony’s madrina and closed with the boat cruising in the water to celebrate its world premiere and most recent accolade, the Nautico 60 Design Innovation Award.

 

“The varo is always a great moment,” says Carla Demaria, “the one of this boat, ...is even greater. Two years ago, when I was UCINA - Confindustria Nautica’s president, I met Gabriele, Michele and professor Marinella Levi from Politecnico di Milano, which explained to us the idea of building a boat without models or molds from 3D printing. It sounded crazy and fascinating to us so we decided to help. We always have the feeling of teaching to younger generations, sometimes we learn.”

 

Professor Marinella Levi, co-founder of Moi quoted the famous Carlo Riva during the team’s presentation Sunday 4 October, ‘The Art of Making Impossible Vessels Possible’ and said, “the most important thing about boats is what you don't see, it's the materials.” And it is true, critical advancements in 3D printing today include the ability to print advanced materials, especially continuous fiber composites. “Continuous Fiber Manufacturing (CFM) technology can 3D print real products in impossible shapes. MAMBO’s material and design were carefully chosen to demonstrate the power of CFM technology. “We pushed on the organic shapes of the boat with every single curvature being impossible to manufacture until today” saied Michele Tonizzo, Moi’s Co-Founder and CTO.

According to Dr. Stefano Pagani Isnardi, Head of Department – Technical, Statistics, Research, Int’l Federations for Confindustria Nautica, the Italian Marine Industry Association, “Italian marine industry is the world's second largest, and it is appreciated in all the world for its combination of four elements: design, technology, artisanship, and innovation. A special thanks to the people that believe in innovation like yourself, seeing MAMBO at the boat show was emotional.”

 

Paying an ode to past centuries of boat craftsmanship and made-in-Italy heritage, MAMBO with its design and production methods, elevates hand-made work with modern, digitally-made process, bringing design concepts only dreamed of before to life. MAMBO symbolizes a beacon of the path untraveled, illuminating hope for a new era of design and manufacturing to follow, daring boat aficionados to truly build boats in their own way, as the same Carlo Riva mentioned earlier might have been very pleased to hear.

 

MAMBO received the 60 Salone Nautico Design Innovation Award thanks to Moi’s partnership with Autodesk, Catmarine, Confindustria Nautica, Mercury Marine, MICAD, Osculati, and Owens Corning. Each partner brought their specific expertise and industry skills and resources to realize the boat. Gabriele Todisco, CEO of Catmarine joined the project for the freedom the technology provides, liberating the composite material from molds. A value also shared by Francesco Fiorentino, Composites Specialist of Micad, which highlighted  that MAMBO’s hull is a concept explored by very few specialists due to its particular geometry. Alberto Emilio Osculati, Executive Director of Osculati praised the uniqueness and extreme customization of the project and Alessandro Conti, General Director of Brunswick Marine Italia concluded that the project was prestigious and stimulating in a field that doesn’t shine for it’s innovation and that this project can be a radical shift for the industry.

 

Moi expects to showcase MAMBO at other events around the world and plans to open order books for similar one-of-a-kind, custom 3D printed boats, working with interested boat builders, designers, brokers, owners/clientele, and other key stakeholders.

About Moi

Moi Composites (Moi) is a tech start-up that 3D prints custom, powerful products using robots and advanced composite materials. Free of molds and traditional design and time constraints, Moi’s patented process innovation can produce strong, lightweight, unique objects in incredible new shapes, sizes, & performances, cost effectively on demand. Founded in Milan, Italy 2018, as a spinoff of Politecnico di Milano University, Moi’s vision is advanced composites any time, any place, any shape. Moi won several prizes for its innovative technology, including the prestigious Italian “National Innovation Award” and the JEC Innovation Award, and has partners and early adopters in robotic automation and industries such as aerospace, energy, marine, and biomedical.

 

Boot Düsseldorf 2021 Water Sports from 23 to 31 January in 17 exhibition halls

 


Wednesday, 14 October 2020

A win for customers and the environment as Volvo Penta hits 30,000 IPS installations

Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) units deliver a unique user experience with up to 30% reduced fuel consumption and 30% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional inboard shafts. The company has now supplied 30,000 Volvo Penta IPS solutions across the marine sectors.

 Volvo Penta Marine Leisure Volvo Penta IPS

 Volvo Penta Marine Leisure Volvo Penta IPS


Volvo Penta Marine Leisure Volvo Penta IPS

Environmental care has been a core value at Volvo Penta since 1972 and part of the company’s work continues to be achieving high energy efficiency and reduced emissions across its product range. Volvo Penta’s vision is to be the world leader in sustainable power solutions. Across its marine offerings, it aims to deliver sustainable solutions that provide an unique and integrated experience. Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) is one example of a technology that takes a confident step forward in increasing efficiency and reducing emissions, while also continuing to improve product performance. The IPS provides an unrivaled experience – with advanced maneuverability and performance, easy maintenance and serviceability, and is able to deliver new levels of onboard comfort. The company has now sold 30,000 Volvo Penta IPS solutions across the marine sectors.

Turning propulsion around
Volvo Penta IPS was a revolution in marine technology when it was first launched to the Marine Leisure sector, in 2005. The system’s innovative and unique design has forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers that sit below the hull for incredible ‘grip’ of the water. Individually steerable IPS drives are linked to the onboard Joystick Docking function. The joystick makes docking – which is considered one of the most stressful aspects of boating – easier. Volvo Penta IPS provides a range of benefits that vary depending on the type of installation. When compared to traditional inboard shaft installations Volvo Penta IPS provides:

  • 40% longer cruising range
  • 20% higher top speed
  • Up to 30% reduced fuel consumption
  • Up to 30% less CO2 emissions
  • 50% lower perceived noise
  • More onboard space

Better for the environment. Better for customer.
Increasing the use of Volvo Penta IPS for Marine Commercial use was one of the company’s commitments to the WWF Climate Saver program – which it has been a part of since 2014. With 30,000 IPS units installed, all with a decrease of up to 30% in fuel consumption and a typical reduction of 15-20% – sometimes up to 30% – of CO2, one can imagine the savings in CO2 emissions that Volvo Penta IPS has helped realize.

“Finding ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions has been an objective of ours for many years and is as a priority across our product range,” explains Johan Inden, head of Volvo Penta’s marine segment. “We strive to continue to improve today’s innovative technology, while in parallel explore future possibilities towards significantly reduced or zero emissions.”

Significant reductions – the numbers behind the claims
The introduction of Volvo Penta IPS into the Marine Commercial segment in 2005 was a major milestone for the company along its WWF Climate Savers journey. In just one example, eight Njord Offshore vessels, powered by Volvo Penta IPS, saved on average a total of 20% in fuel and 8,375 tons of CO2, over 250,000 hours of operation. Additionally, the system’s superior maneuverability is a huge advantage when docking offshore in harsh conditions.

Volvo Penta has seen similar successes in the marine leisure sector. Take the Amer 94 superyacht, for example. In a controlled 100-mile journey through the Mediterranean, this vessel saw a 45 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to similarly-sized yachts fitted with traditional inboard shaft installation. This remarkable result was due to the craft’s lightweight design and the fitment of efficient and compact Volvo Penta IPS, which together slash the weight of the yacht by 20 tonnes – the weight of four elephants.

Furthermore, Volvo Penta has started to incorporate a circular economy approach when it comes to manufacturing – by giving a new life to IPS drivelines through remanufacturing.

“Our Volvo Penta IPS range already offers a reduced impact on the environment, through its increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions,” says Johan. “Selecting a remanufactured IPS unit only enhances the sustainability of the full lifecycle of the boat, including maintenance and repair.”

Room for improvement
Although the numbers are good, Volvo Penta’s Environmental Director, Cecilia Gunnarsson knows more can still be done.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also remind ourselves that supporting our environment is a continuous commitment,” says Cecilia. “This is why we have worked to make our systems compatible with renewable fuels such as HVO. Additionally, we have our IMO III package for IPS, for the marine sector, which meets the strictest global emission standards.”

Friday, 9 October 2020

Genevos and Oceanslab introduce Plug and Play Hydrogen fuel Cell Solutions for maritime decarbonisation

OceansLab - Genevos - Maritime Hydrogen Power Module - Phil Sharp © Gilles Delacuvellerie 

Race to Zero Emissions with Hydrogen solutions.

 

The Hydrogen Power Module (HPM) is a marinised plug-and-play solution to achieving zero emissions power for vessels. Water is the only by-product of the HPM, which uses a high-efficiency fuel cell to create electricity through the reaction of hydrogen sourced from renewable energy.

Free from toxic greenhouse gases, clean hydrogen has been named by the International Transport Forum as an important fuel for decarbonising maritime trade. What’s more, hydrogen created from renewables has been forecast to undercut all other forms of marine fuel by 2030.

“Fuel cells and hydrogen will play a vital role in the clean energy transition of this sector,” commented Phil Sharp, OceansLab skipper and Technical Director of Genevos. “To meet climate change goals all new boats and ships built from 2030 must be Zero Emission Vessels, using clean fuels. To achieve this, we have to start introducing this innovative technology now to ensure that we can scale up in time.”

Genevos will be producing a series of HPMs with power outputs ranging from 8 to 200 kW and capable of meeting a range of vessel sizes and energy demands. Modules can provide clean energy solutions for varied applications including primary or hybrid propulsion, in addition to powering auxiliary systems in large commercial vessels to prevent coastal and in-port emissions.

Renowned specialist in low carbon shipping and Associate Professor at UCL Energy Institute Dr Tristan Smith commented: “Zero emission technology and fuel is an inevitable future for shipping. The industry needs projects and pilots that use technologies such as the Genevos HPM, to kick-start this clean transition.”

Based in La Rochelle, Nouvelle Aquitaine, Genevos has an established research partnership with EIGSI University and its industrial power systems test centre through the development of a hydrogen lab. Testing is currently being carried out on an HPM-8 kW prototype whilst providing a focal point for research projects at the university.

Genevos are in the process of securing demonstrator partnerships for recreational and commercial hydrogen pilot projects and are interested in connecting with boat constructors looking for clean hydrogen solutions.

For more information please visit www.genevos.com.

Genevos HPM – Features

  • Low Weight:  Typically 60-75% lower weight than an all-electric system using the latest lithium battery technology
  • Environmentally friendly:  Zero emissions and virtually silent operation
  • Fuel requirement: Green hydrogen which is created from electrolysers supplied with renewable energy.  Hydrogen is a light, odorless gas and has been proven in industry for decades as safe to produce, store and transport.
  • Plug and play:  Fully-integrated systems in marinised enclosure for easy installation
  • Practical:  Modular and scalable for high range applications
  • Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cells are typically 2-3 times the efficiency of marine diesel engines

 

Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Toyota Motor Europe and French Hynova boats introduce 1st hydrogen boat prototype

 Toyota Motor Europe and French Hynova boats introduce 1st hydrogen boat prototype 

We knew that Toyota was forward planning when they started with their hybrid systems in the mid 1970’s. Over the years they have established themselves as the pioneer in hybrid propulsion for transportation systems, like cars. Now Toyota Motor Europe’s fuel cell module brings hydrogen to the wider maritime industry in a cooperation with Hynova boats. They have introduced their prototype at the Monaco Boat show in September 2020. 

 

 

 

Some achievements of Toyota Motor Europe so far: 

  • Toyota fuel cell module already successfully tested aboard the Energy Observer boat (EO) over more than 7,000 nautical miles, including trans-Atlantic crossings 
  • Toyota fuel cell technology integrated in Energy Observer Developments’ (EODev) Hydrogen Range Extender (REXH2), delivers zero CO2, zero fine particle emissions and noise-free maritime mobility 
  • EODev installs their Toyota fuel cell based maritime REXH2 in HYNOVA Yachts and starts field demonstration tests. 

 The REXH2 is a modular maritime hydrogen power solution developed around Toyota's fuel cell technology. It has been successfully tested in real open sea conditions aboard the Energy Observer boat for over more than 7,000 nautical miles including trans-Atlantic crossings. The hydrogen-electric hybrid technology in the REXH2 makes silent maritime and river mobility without emissions of CO2 or fine particles possible.