Three feasibility studies show promise against methane slip

While methane slip – unburnt methane released during the combustion process – remains the largest source of methane emissions on ships, emissions across the LNG supply chain, from loading to engine delivery, are also a concern. These fugitive emissions are often unintended and short-lived, but identifying, quantifying, and mitigating them is essential to achieving industry-wide decarbonization goals.  

Xplorobot, Sorama and framergy were selected by MAMII to help address the vital need to detect, measure and capture fugitive methane emissions from LNG fuelled ships.

Detecting and quantifying methane emissions

Xplorobot conducted a detailed evaluation of their Methane Compliance Solution, focusing on its efficacy in detecting and quantifying methane emissions on LNG carriers and LNG-powered vessels. The study targeted emissions from the warm side of the gas fuel line and both planned and unplanned venting events. Utilising comparable on-land data, this desktop analysis assessed how the technology would perform in maritime settings.

Participating in Safetytech Accelerator’s MAMII program has been an invaluable experience for Xplorobot. Working with industry leaders provided in-depth insights into the methane emission monitoring needs of the shipping industry. It also allowed us to showcase the impact of our methane detection and mitigation technology. 

… said Oleg Mikhailov, CEO of Xplorobot.

The technology demonstrated accuracy levels of +/-30% for emissions over 500 grams per hour and +/-50% for emissions between 100 and 500 grams per hour, thanks to a refined neural network algorithm calibrated through controlled release experiments. 

The next step is to deploy the kit in the field to further validate and optimise the technology for widespread adoption across the maritime industry.  

Technical and financial viability of deploying advanced acoustic monitoring

Furthermore, Sorama evaluated the technical and financial viability of deploying advanced acoustic monitoring technology on LNG carriers to detect and manage fugitive methane emissions. Their study highlights how the strategic use of fixed and handheld devices can help precisely locate and quantify methane slips, which are crucial to remediate for environmental compliance and reducing GHG emissions.

The results of our feasibility study show that our technology not only offers environmental benefits but is also a cost-effective solution for ship operators. We are excited about the potential of this technology to transform emission standards in the maritime sector and look forward to the next phase of on-ship trials.

 … said Bart Vaes, VP Business Development at Sorama. 

Material shows promise in reducing methane emissions

Finally, framergy explored the potential deployment of their AYRSORB™ F250_GII, a metal-organic framework material, on LNG carriers to mitigate fugitive methane emissions. This material can store and purify methane at much lower pressures than conventional methods. The study demonstrated that AYRSORB™ F250_GII could significantly reduce methane emissions during planned and unplanned venting events. 

framergy’s partnership with Chevron enabled us to adapt our methane mitigation technology for LNG transport vessels, identifying the most impactful application to reduce their GHG emissions. Without this feasibility study, the target area could still lack a potential solution for these types of emissions.

… commented Jeff St. Amant, CEO of framergy

MAMII is exploring options to advance these research projects to on-ship trials as soon as possible.