Tsuneishi Solutions Tokyobay (T-SOL) has delivered its first low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) for medium- and low-speed diesel engines.
The LFSS received approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK in 2024. This LFSS is the first unit of T-SOL’s proprietary LFSS developed in-house and will be installed on a Kamsarmax bulk carrier, marking its first application on an actual vessel following the AiP granted by ClassNK.
The LFSS is designed to safely and reliably supply alternative fuels with low flashpoints, such as methanol, to a vessel’s main engine. The T-SOL LFSS has been developed specifically for medium- and low-speed diesel engines and features a simple and compact design in terms of its main components, dimensions and weight.
As the LFSS is assembled in Japan, customers adopting T-SOL’s LFSS are not required to attend factory acceptance tests (FAT) overseas or arrange for engineers from overseas equipment manufacturers to travel to Japan, thereby helping reduce both costs and operational burdens for customers. T-SOL provides on-site technical support during commissioning and testing.
With the tightening and introduction of environmental regulations, marine fuels are entering a period of transition from HFO to alternative fuels, including methanol. The transition requires new expertise and considerable time for technical evaluation, increasing the burden on customers. Drawing on the expertise of its experienced engineers, T-SOL provides comprehensive support throughout each customer’s transition to alternative fuels.
Following the delivery of its first LFSS, T-SOL will continue to work to ensure a stable supply of LFSS units while advancing the research and development of technologies that contribute to GHG emissions reduction, including engineering solutions for other alternative fuels. Through these initiatives, T-SOL aims to contribute to the advancement of the maritime industry in Japan and overseas, while supporting the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Image: Tsuneishi-built methanol-fuelled bulk carrier (source: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding)
