Alfa Laval has achieved another milestone in its methanol journey by winning an order for Methanol (LFSS) fuel control modules (FCM) for four mega container vessels being constructed by a Chinese shipyard.
The new vessel series will have two-stroke WinGD methanol engines and four-stroke Wärtsilä methanol auxiliaries. The FCM Methanol will work with both WinGD main engines and Wärtsilä auxiliary engines. Deliveries of the FCM Methanol will commence in 2024.
Alfa Laval says its methanol experience, service network and after-sales support, combined with close cooperation with the shipowner and the shipyard, led to the company being chosen for this project.
Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation and Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval said: “We are honoured to have been selected to deliver the methanol fuel supply systems for these pioneering methanol-fuelled vessels. This project exemplifies our commitment to bringing alternative fuels into the shipping industry. We see close cooperation with key stakeholders, such as shipowners, shipyards, engine designers and engineering companies, as a way forward to make meaningful progress towards decarbonisation.”
Alfa Laval has been developing new solutions for methanol transition since 2015. The company’s experience in fuel supply systems and understanding of methanol as marine fuel played a crucial part in this project. With mature technologies and reliable automation, the Alfa Laval FCM Methanol safely supplies methanol within the flow rate, pressure, temperature, and filtration parameters specified by the engine maker. Due to its adaptability to any engine and vessel design, it enables turnkey LFSS deliveries for easy installation.
The company says the project is characterised by several firsts, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to address and embrace a joint responsibility towards decarbonisation. It marks the first time that a Chinese shipowner has ordered methanol-capable vessels. It is also the first time the shipyard will build such vessels, and for WinGD to deliver engines for methanol-fuelled ships. Alfa Laval can provide a customised methanol fuel supply system, adapting its FCM Methanol design to the requirements of these engines for the first time, marking it a milestone for the company as well.
