Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative completes feasibility studies with technology providers

• Studies demonstrated how tech can help shipowners reduce emissions and improve efficiency, while also meeting sustainability goals.
• The four methane abatement technology companies worked with MAMII Anchor Partners Capital Gas Ship Management, MSC, and Seapeak, coordinated by Safetytech Accelerator.

London – May 3rd, 2024 – Safetytech Accelerator, in collaboration with Capital Gas Ship Management, MSC, and  Seapeak, has completed four technology feasibility studies as part of its flagship Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII).

Daphne Technology, CDTi Advanced Materials, Inc. (CDTi), Rotoboost, and Plenesys were selected by MAMII from amongst 20 companies to help address the critical challenge of mitigating methane emissions from the exhaust stacks of LNG fuelled ships.

The outcomes of these feasibility studies showed strong potential to cut methane emissions in the maritime industry.

• Daphne Technology’s methane abatement system outlined a potential reduction of up to 440 metric tons of methane annually in container ships.
• CDTI’s results highlighted how a proven engine catalyst could offer increased methane conversion at lower temperatures than industry norms, with minimal operational adjustments for fleets.
• Plenesys demonstrated a solution which can effectively reduce methane slip by 78% by converting it to hydrogen, while Rotoboost’s system was found to offer several benefits including additional revenue from carbon by-products.

MAMII hopes to progress these research projects which to on-ship trials as soon as possible. MAMII was launched in September 2022 by Safetytech Accelerator, bringing together industry leaders, technology innovators, and maritime stakeholders to advance technologies for measuring and mitigating methane emissions in the maritime sector and promote the adoption of validated solutions. It currently has 20 leading shipping and energy companies as Anchor Partners.

Each provider selected for trials brings expertise in a different technology:

• Daphne Technology’s SlipPure^TM is a plasma-catalysis -based methane abatement solution installed in exhaust stacks. The system converts methane into carbon dioxide and water.
• CDTi uses emissions catalysts to passively oxidize methane in the exhaust stream and reduce its release into the atmosphere.
• Rotoboost enables on-site low-carbon hydrogen production through thermo-catalytic decomposition (TCD) as pre-combustion Carbon Removal & Methane Slip Reduction solution. In Maritime, Oil & Gas applications, hydrogen can be blended as a drop-in fuel with LNG.
• Plenesys employs plasma torches to crack methane molecules, separating clean hydrogen from carbon.

Chris McDade, Vice President, Operations at Seapeak said: “Seapeak are always looking for opportunities to drive change in the maritime industry, especially in relation to our environmental responsibilities. As a MAMII anchor partner, our fleet will directly participate in feasibility studies, new equipment trials and testing of technical solutions to reduce or eliminate methane slip from LNG vessels. We’re excited to play our part in a project which can bring positive change for a sustainable future”.

Alexandra Xystra, Technical Manager, Capital Gas Ship Management, said: “As part of our strategic initiative to lead in sustainable maritime operations, Capital Gas Ship Management is committed to exploring and implementing advanced methane abatement technologies. Our engagement with the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) exemplifies our dedication to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of operational excellence. The feasibility studies for CH4 technologies represent a critical step towards reducing our environmental footprint and underscore our resolve to contribute positively to the maritime industry’s sustainability goals.”

MSC Group, Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy & Government Affairs Bud Darr stated: “Information about how methane combustion performs under different conditions will be critical to solving the challenge of methane slip. Research insights from studies such as this one get the industry a step closer to understanding not only combustion performance but also what combination of onboard technologies can deliver significant methane emissions reduction. Improving the methane footprint of the global maritime fleet will be crucial to unlocking the net zero potential of bio and synthetic LNG. MSC is proud to support MAMII’s research focused on improving methane performance, which will ultimately support our efforts to achieving net zero decarbonization by 2050.”

Mario Michan CEO & Founder at Daphne Technology, emphasised: “We are excited to witness the collaboration of industry leaders in tackling methane emissions, marking a pivotal advancement in our mission to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. Addressing methane slip in LNG-powered vessels is crucial, and innovations like SlipPure™, which has garnered approval in principle from LR, play a vital role in reducing these emissions. We at Daphne Technology are grateful to be chosen as a technology provider for this initiative and eagerly anticipate the outcome of the project.”

Campbell McConnell, CDTi’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said: “We are excited to collaborate with MAMII and deploy our catalyst technology to meet the urgent need for cost effective and scalable methane abatement solutions for maritime transport”.

Kaisa Nikulainen, CEO at Rotoboost said: “The collaboration has been exceptional, bringing together charters, ship owners, LR, and industry partners such engine/equipment makers, to expedite the decarbonization process and reduces the carbon footprint of the assets”.

Nadia Echchihab, Head of Innovation programmes, Safetytech Accelerator, said: “We are delighted to join forces with our valued partners, MSC, Seapeak, and Capital Gas, in introducing these innovative methane abatement solutions through the MAMII initiative. These technologies represent a significant stride towards mitigating methane emissions in the maritime industry, contributing to a sustainable and cleaner future for our oceans and the planet”.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The full results of the feasibility studies are as follows:

• The study of Daphne Technology’s SlipPure^TM methane abatement system focused on its implementation in the auxiliary engines of a dual-fuel-powered 14K TEU container ship. It showed that a two-unit installation, with an assumed removal efficiency of 85%, can cover four auxiliary engines, ensuring operational flexibility. It outlined a potential reduction of up to 440 metric tons of methane annually.
• CDTI investigated their catalyst’s performance against the key parameters impacting the system’s effectiveness over its full-service life. Results highlighted the impressive performance of their catalyst, achieving 80% methane conversion at lower temperatures across various engine loads. The study was able to offer an affordable system size for optimal methane reduction.
• The feasibility study conducted by Plenesys meticulously examined process compatibility and mechanical and electrical adaptations. It also included a techno-economic and environmental assessment of the technology deployment. The study demonstrated that the solution can effectively reduce methane slip by 78%, converting it to hydrogen for engine reinjection. Economically, the integration of technology presented a profitable scenario due to considerable savings in carbon taxes. Environmentally, the technology showed substantial reductions in methane slip and CO2 emissions.
• Rotoboost explored the implementation of the Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) system on LNG-fueled vessels. TCD system not only reduces methane slip by improving combustion efficiency but also lowers CO2 emissions due to the higher calorific value of the hydrogen-enhanced fuel mix. The study concluded that the hydrogen drop-in fuel generated by the onboard Rotoboost TCD system presents several benefits such as significant emission reductions and additional revenue from carbon by-products, making it a cost-effective solution for meeting IMO emission targets.

About Safetytech Accelerator

Safetytech Accelerator, established by Lloyd’s Register, is the first fully dedicated technology accelerator focused on advancing innovation in safety critical industries, with a mission to make the world safer, more resilient, and more sustainable through the wider adoption of technology.

MAMII Full list of members.

Capital Gas, Carnival Corporation & Plc, Celsius Tankers, Chevron, CoolCo, JPMorgan , Knutsen Group, Lloyd’s Register, Maran Gas Maritime, MSC, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, MISC, NYK Line, Seapeak , Seaspan Corporation, Shell, TMS Cardiff Gas, Total Energies, UK P&I Club, United Overseas Management.  For more info, please visit www.mamii.org

About Capital Gas

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. (“Capital Gas”) is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 18 LNG Carriers (with 174,000 m3 capacity, equipped with both XDF & MAN ME-GA engines and Mark III Flex cargo containment systems), 4 pioneering LCO2 carriers and 2 dual fuel VLACs (Very Large Ammonia Carriers) with a total carrying capacity of 3.3 million cubic meters approx.

About MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a global leader in transportation and logistics, privately owned and founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. As one of the world’s leading container shipping lines, MSC has 675 offices across 155 countries worldwide, with the MSC Group employing almost 200,000 people. With access to an integrated network of road, rail, air, and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, the company prides itself on delivering global service with local knowledge. MSC’s shipping line sails on more than 300 trade routes, calling at 520 ports, and is targeting net zero decarbonization by 2050. For more information about our journey to net-zero please visit: www.msc.com/sustainability.

About Seapeak

Seapeak is one of the world’s largest independent owners and operators of LNG carriers, providing liquefied gas services primarily under long-term, fee-based charters through its interests in 49 LNG carriers (including 5 newbuildings) and 42 LPG, Ethane and multi-gas carriers (including 4 newbuildings). Seapeak’s ownership interests in these vessels range from 20 to 100 percent. In addition, Seapeak owns a 30 percent interest in an LNG regasification terminalFor more information, please visit: www.seapeak.com

About Daphne Technology

Daphne Technology is a Swiss climate deep-tech company, focused on solving the greenhouse gas challenge in tough-to-decarbonise industries. The company develops technologies and scales innovative products to measure and reduce GHG emissions from industrial sources, with a portfolio approach to decarbonisation targeting GHG emission inefficiencies in power generation and energy conversion worldwide.

Daphne’s high-tech, innovative approach has attracted global industrial leaders, including Shell Ventures, Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Trafigura, AET, Swisscom and JP Morgan, all committed to enabling an economically sustainable energy transition.

The company has received multiple awards and recognitions. For more information, go to daphnetech.com.

About Rotoboost

ROTOBOOST was established in 2009 in Norway by a dedicated team of engineers united by a vision for a clean energy future. Their ambition was to spearhead a shift to a new economy powered by hydrogen—the universe’s most plentiful element. This dream envisions a harmonious coexistence of all life on Earth beneath a perpetually blue sky preserved for future generations. Since 2021, ROTOBOOST has assembled some of the foremost experts in Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) technology and manufacturing under one roof, all committed to a singular mission: the commercialization of low carbon hydrogen technology. In collaboration with our industry and institutional partners, we have successfully engaged large-scale commercial projects and remain dedicated to penetrating markets poised to embrace TCD technology.

About Plenesys

Plenesys is an innovative company specializing in plasma equipment and technologies. Specifically, Plenesys develops high-efficiency plasma torches that operate continuously for various industrial applications, ranging from 100 kW to several MWs in power. Plenesys is also working on the HyPlasma process for the production of decarbonized hydrogen at a competitive cost, as well as carbon powder, at both small and large scales. The company provides turnkey solutions, develops custom solutions for its clients, and offers experimental trials on its test benches.

About CDTi

CDTi is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of catalysts and emission systems for a variety of applications. We are committed to providing our customers with innovative and sustainable solutions that help reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and generate renewable energy.