The maritime sector represents about 13.5% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at EU level (Source: EEA, 2021). In order to foster the decarbonization of fuels in the maritime sector, the IMO fixed a target of 80% cut of GHG emissions up to 2050 and the manufacturing of zero-emission ships within 2100. The path towards decarbonization of fuels in the maritime sector will also lead to the reduction and/or abatement of pollutants like CO, NOX, SOX, PM, BC, HC that are emitted by fossil fuels combustion. The installation of a methanol reformer coupled to a PEM fuel cell could represent an interesting solution as auxiliary power unit of yachts and superyachts, to cover the hotel load but also to sustain slow speed cruising and maneuvering operations in ports.
The concept
Why using green methanol?
Instead of methanol the project will foster the adoption of green methanol (methanol produced by renewable sources, i.e. from agricultural and forestry residues, biogas, organic fraction of municipal solid wastes, synthesis of H2 produced from electrolytic processes and CO2 coming from carbon capture technologies).
Furthermore, methanol is easy to store and handle, it is biodegradable and does not contain sulphur. Furthermore, methanol is liquid at environmental temperature and pressure so that it presents a good energy density (around 22 MJ/kg) and does not need cryogenic tanks for its storage like LNG.
Impact
Energy savings
Reduction in primary energy use
SOx, NOx, PM, HC, CO
Reduction in use of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances
GHG emissions
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
for the typical use profile of only one yacht per year
"With LIFE OCEAN we are setting an important milestone in decarbonizing marine industry, paving the way for this future technology to spread to other types of vessels."Markus Wagner, Siemens Energy, Project Manager of LIFE OCEAN