Safetytech Accelerator Trials Show Potential to Cut Methane Emissions in Shipping

• Safetytech Accelerator completes feasibility studies for Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII).
• Framergy, Sorama, and Xplorobot demonstrate innovative solutions to detect, measure, and capture methane emissions from LNG-fuelled ships.
• Results indicate potential for on-ship trials to refine and scale solutions

 

London – December 2024 – Safetytech Accelerator, in collaboration with Chevron, Carnival Corporation & plc, Shell and Seapeak, has successfully completed three technology feasibility studies as part of its flagship Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII). The results of these feasibility studies showed strong potential to cut fugitive methane emissions in the maritime industry. MAMII is exploring options to advance these research projects 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.

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. Each provider selected for the trials brings expertise in a different technology, including:

 

• Xplorobot: Provides a handheld device and AI-powered platform to detect and measure fugitive methane on ships using computer vision to pinpoint leak locations, overlay real-time emission rate data, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems for quick issue resolution without requiring specialised training.
• Sorama: Develops acoustic cameras that detect fugitive gas by visualizing sound and vibration fields in 3D. Integrated AI and onboard software identify anomalies and classify sounds, enabling direct leak localization without complex analysis.
• framergy: Specialises in adsorbents and catalysts for methane emission management. Their product, AYRSORB™ F250GII, captures and stores fugitive methane by selectively filtering methane from the air, leveraging its ultra-high surface area and coordination chemistry.

Feasibility Study Results Show Promise for Methane Abatement 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. 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. Xplorobot’s solution promises to reduce inspection time dramatically, with the ability to inspect 50 to 100 components in under an hour—sometimes as quickly as 10 minutes. This efficiency, combined with automated digital emission tracking and compliance reporting, make the solution cost-effective. 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.

 

Oleg Mikhailov, CEO of Xplorobot, said:

“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. Xplorobot’s goal is to empower shipping operators with actionable insights to reduce emissions, enhance safety and operational efficiency, and achieve their sustainability goals.”

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 report scopes a six-month pilot program involving 4 fixed cameras monitoring several areas of the ship’s trunk deck for gas domes and one handheld device to monitor areas on demand, such as the cargo compressor room. This technology not only promises environmental benefits but is also a cost-effective solution for ship operators, with the potential to transform emission monitoring standards in the sector.

 

Bart Vaes, VP Business Development at Sorama, said:

“Participating in the MAMII Challenge was a valuable experience for Sorama. It gives us the opportunity to show the effectiveness of our advanced acoustic monitoring technology in a new sector, detecting and managing methane emissions on LNG ships. 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.”

framergy explored the potential deployment of their AYRSORB™ F250GII, a metal-organic framework material, on LNG carriers to mitigate fugitive methane emissions. This innovative material can store and purify methane at much lower pressures than conventional methods. The study demonstrated that AYRSORB™ F250GII could significantly reduce methane emissions during planned and unplanned venting events, hence offering significant operational cost savings and potential revenue from the reuse or sale of captured methane.

 

Jeff St. Amant, CEO of framergy, said:

“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.”

 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About Chevron Shipping Company, LLC

Chevron Shipping Company, LLC is the specialized marine division of Chevron Corporation, one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. Established to manage the transportation of Chevron’s global oil, gas, and refined products, Chevron Shipping operates a fleet of modern, technologically advanced vessels, including crude oil and product tankers, LNG carriers, and other support vessels. Chevron Shipping plays a crucial role in Chevron’s global supply chain, ensuring the reliable and secure delivery of energy resources worldwide. In line with Chevron’s broader sustainability goals, Chevron Shipping is actively involved in initiatives to reduce maritime emissions, enhance fuel efficiency, and adopt innovative technologies that contribute to a lower-carbon future.

 

About Shell Shipping & Maritime

Shell Shipping & Maritime is the dedicated global shipping and maritime arm of Shell. With over a century of experience, this division ensures the safe and efficient transport of Shell’s oil, gas, and products across the globe. Shell Shipping & Maritime manages a large fleet of LNG carriers, tankers, and support vessels, adhering to the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. The division plays a key role in supporting Shell’s broader energy supply chain, facilitating the global movement of energy while pioneering new technologies to reduce emissions.

 

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest cruise company, operating a fleet of over 90 vessels across nine global cruise line brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard, among others. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, Carnival has become synonymous with delivering memorable vacation experiences to over 13 million guests annually. The company is a pioneer in the cruise industry, offering diverse itineraries that span the globe, from the Caribbean and Mediterranean to Alaska and Asia.

 

About Seapeak

Seapeak, formerly known as Teekay LNG Partners, is one of the world’s largest independent owners and operators of LNG carriers. With a modern fleet of over 80 vessels, including LNG carriers, LPG carriers and multi-gas vessels, Seapeak plays a crucial role in the global energy supply chain. The company’s fleet is chartered to leading energy companies around the world, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of vital energy resources. The company leverages advanced maritime technologies and practices to minimize its environmental impact, aligning with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Seapeak’s experienced management team and strategic partnerships enable it to adapt to the evolving energy landscape while maintaining a focus on delivering value to its stakeholders.

 

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: BP, Capital Gas, Carnival Corporation & Plc, Celsius Tankers, Chevron, CMA CGM, Dynagas, GTT, JPMorgan, Lloyd’s Register, Maran Gas Maritime, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, GTT, MISC, NYK Line, Royal Caribbean, Seapeak, Seaspan Corporation, Shell, TMS Cardiff Gas, Total Energies, UK P&I Club