Wed 21 Sep 2022 15:13

Methanol fuel cell project 'proceeding as planned': Alfa Laval


Programme said to be on track for 200 kW installation.


Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre.
Image: Alfa Laval

Alfa Laval says the methanol fuel cell project it currently has in development is proceeding as planned.

The big picture: The ultimate aim of the programme is to provide shipping with a scalable energy supply that does not involve combustion.

How it works: Launched in the second quarter of 2022, it comprises modules of High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell stacks running on carbon-neutral renewable methanol that can be combined in racks of 200 kilowatts (kW), creating a standardized, scalable system for many megawatts of power and an efficient and cost-effective energy solution.

  • In the current phase of testing, two 5 kW modules, each containing one fuel cell stack, are being run with the distribution systems needed to support the fuel cells.
  • The operational data from testing is then set to be used to fine-tune the 200 kW module and rack setup.
  • Based on positive test results so far, Alfa Laval says the project is on track for a 200 kW installation.

Alfa Laval is responsible for the overall system infrastructure as well as the distribution systems located at the firm's Test & Training Centre. Funding is via the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP).

What they said: Jeroen van Riel, Business Development Manager, Marine Energy Solutions, noted that the initial test, which enabled Alfa Laval to test the basic setup, had been positive.

  • "The data compiled so far is very promising, which suggests that we can move into the next stage as planned," Riel remarked.
  • "The project will lead to an integrated, safe and marine-certified product for application on tomorrow's green ships," stated van Riel. "Within the near future, it will offer a realistic alternative to combustion-based auxiliary power on board."


The Buffalo 404 barge, owned by Buffalo Marine Service Inc., performing a bunker delivery. TFG Marine installs first ISO-certified mass flow meter on US Gulf bunker barge  

Installation marks expansion of company's digitalisation programme across global fleet.

Sogestran's fuel supply vessel, the Anatife, at the port of Belle-Île-en-Mer. Sogestran's HVO-powered tanker achieves 78% CO2 reduction on French island fuel runs  

Small tanker Anatife saves fuel while supplying Belle-Île and Île d'Yeu.

Crowley 1,400 TEU LNG-powered containership, Tiscapa. Crowley deploys LNG-powered boxship Tiscapa for Caribbean and Central American routes  

Vessel is the third in company's Avance Class fleet to enter service.

The inland LNG bunker vessel LNG London. LNG London completes 1,000 bunkering operations in Rotterdam and Antwerp  

Delivery vessel reaches milestone after five years of operations across ARA hub.

The M.V. COSCO Shipping Yangpu, China's first methanol dual-fuel containership. COSCO vessel completes maiden green methanol bunkering at Yangpu  

China's first methanol dual-fuel containership refuels with green methanol derived from urban waste.

Carsten Ladekjær, CEO of Glander International Bunkering. Glander International Bunkering reports stable performance amid regulatory changes  

Bunker trader achieves $3bn turnover and $22m pre-tax earnings for fiscal 2024-25.

Map of the Mediterranean Sea ULSFO demand surges in Med as ECA compliance drives fuel shift  

KPI OceanConnect reports accelerating ULSFO uptake across the region.

The Zale performing a bunker delivery. Monjasa reports Singapore as top bunker supply port with over 1 MMT delivered  

Supplier says world's largest bunkering hub became its biggest supply location in 2024.

Steel cutting ceremony for the 7,999 DWT chemical bunker tanker Lucia Cosulich at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in China. Fratelli Cosulich begins construction of second methanol-ready bunker tanker  

Italian firm starts steel cutting for 7,999 DWT chemical bunker vessel.

Petrobras logo. Petrobras introduces volume-based price discounts at Santos  

Brazilian oil company offers progressive discounts for bunker deliveries exceeding 1,500 tonnes.


↑  Back to Top