Focus Area: Maritime Green Technologies
Overview
Methanol is gaining traction as a low-carbon fuel for the maritime industry, with new methanol-fueled ships and bunker barges being introduced. In July 2023, Singapore completed the world's first methanol bunkering operation with a containership, and such operations are set to expand globally. Ensuring the safety of crews handling methanol with the latest safety technology is crucial.
Importance
- Methanol is highly flammable and toxic, with invisible flames.
- Its faint alcohol odor is detectable only at 2000 ppm, ten times the safe limit.
- Methanol's flammability poses higher risks compared to traditional fuels.
- Singapore's frequent lightning strikes raise concerns about methanol fume ignition during bunkering.
Market Potential
- Relevant for crews on methanol-fueled vessels and bunker barges, estimated to reach 1,200 ships globally by 2030.
- Terminal workers and truck operators involved in bunkering will also face similar challenges.
Current Efforts
- Personal gas detectors currently measure only limited types of gases and concentrations.
- Existing sensors are primarily designed for petrochemical plants, not for maritime use.
Solution Criteria
- Must be cost-effective.
- Should detect methanol vapor leaks and invisible flames.
- Needs real-time functionality, considering possible limited onboard connectivity.
- Should alert crew and/or ship managers before entering high-risk areas.
- Must be suitable for maritime conditions and easy to maintain.
Potential Solutions
- Comprehensive sensing systems and networks for detecting methanol leaks.
- Technologies to mitigate methanol fume dispersion from vessels.
- Vapor return systems for bunkering to capture methanol fumes.
- Robotics for ship operations, particularly in enclosed spaces.
- Metaverse training for crew to increase awareness of safety measures.
- Improved ship designs to reduce methanol leakage.
- Video analytics to detect methanol leaks.
These solutions will enhance safety and sustainability in the maritime industry, promoting methanol as an eco-friendly fuel.