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A marine engine said to be the world's first to run on glycerine has been on display this week at the Seawork International 2014 Commercial Marine Exhibition and Forum [pictured] in Southampton, United Kingdom.

The engine was on display throughout the exhibition on the Alicat workboat on berth V28, courtesy of Gardline Marine Services, who are partners in the GLEAMS (Glycerine Fuel for Engines and Marine Sustainability) Project, and Dalby Offshore, the vessel's owners.

The GLEAMS Project is co-funded by the Technology Strategy Board and Ministry of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory with the objective to validate and certify the use of glycerine as a marine fuel. The project is being managed by Marine South East.

The project is investigating the use of glycerine as a marine fuel to comply with the strictest regulations for sulphur and nitrous oxide emissions, as well as slashing carbon emissions and potentially reducing costs.

A seminar was held on Wednesday, June 11, at Seawork to explain why glycerine is an attractive proposition for use as a marine fuel and to give an update on the testing being carried out to validate glycerine as an alternative to conventional marine fuels.

Speakers at the event included Dr Paul Gilbert from the Tyndall Climate Centre, who spoke about the challenges facing the marine industry in terms of international shipping emissions. Also speaking was Professor Pat Harvey from the University of Greenwich, who is a leading authority on the production of glycerine from micro-algae, a significant potential source to meet increasing future demand.

The GLEAMS project has already attracted interest from vessel operators, engine manufacturers and bunker providers keen to learn about this sulphur-free alternative fuel.

Image: Seawork 2014 event.