MethaNorms
© Fugro 2022 | Photographer Wojciech Barej
The Methanorms project contributes to a more sustainable maritime sector. In this project survey vessel Fugro Galaxy is planned be retrofitted to operate on methanol fuel, besides MGO, to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This project will develop and demonstrate the first Dutch methanol retrofit concept, both for the engines and the safety concept. NHL Stenden’s role in Methanorms focuses on the regulation for ships on methanol, as well as bunkering procedures and training of the crew.
The Motivation for the Project
The Methanorms project is a flagship initiative under the Maritime Masterplan. The project’s goal is to accelerate the Dutch maritime sector’s transition to climate-neutral shipping using green methanol. It seeks to establish new standards for assessing maritime methanol safety during retrofits, reducing the overall costs of such retrofits and positioning the Netherlands as a leader in the global climate-neutral retrofit market. This will be achieved by developing and validating a safe and reliable dual-fuel retrofit solution capable of operating with up to 97% methanol. This includes developing an engine retrofit solution and creating innovative, compliant systems for fuel storage, piping, venting, and safety. The availability of such solutions not only facilitate the Dutch sector's transition to climate-neutral shipping but also enhances international competitiveness of the Dutch maritime industry by offering these solutions globally. The project's findings will propose updates to IMO codes for methanol fuel, contributing to the Maritime Masterplan's core objectives.
The Problem the Project Solves
Retrofitting ships to operate on methanol is hampered by legal as well as practical obstacles. The Methanorms partners develop solutions to enable ships to operate on methanol. NHL Stenden and its partners will draft new guidelines for the design and operation of ships operating on methanol. NHL Stenden and its partners will also develop new bunkering procedures and crew training to operate ships on methanol safely.
The Projectteam
Fugro will act as penholder within the project. As a large Maritime service provider with a fleet of 29 vessels worldwide, Fugro has the ambition to operate climate neutral in 2035.
The other consortium partners are:
Nederlandse Innovatie Maatschappij
Van Oossanen Naval Architects
IHC Smit
Marine Service Noord
NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO)
Stichting Maritiem Research Instituut Nederland (MARIN)
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Bureau Veritas Marine Nederland BV
Simwave
Port of Amsterdam
Schneider Electric
Delft University of Technology
The project requires input in the form of hardware and systems from different subcontractors.
NHL Stenden’s maritime students at Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz and law students at the Thorbecke Academy participate in the Methanorms project.
The Approach of the Projectteam
The consortium represents the entire maritime value chain and is a strong representation of cooperation within the Dutch Maritime sector. Project partners will share. project results and insightful knowledge with stakeholders to accelerate the viable introduction of methanol in the maritime sector. It will therefore have a decisive impact for retrofitting of existing, fossil energy powered, vessels within the Dutch maritime sector.
