Methanol for Yachting Sustainable energy Transition applied to Internal Combustion engines

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The maritime sector makes up about 13.5% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at EU level, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). To decarbonise this sector, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is aiming to cut 50% in GHG emissions by 2050 and the manufacturing of zero-emission ships by 2100. Up to 80% of the overall maritime sector fuel consumption is heavy fuel oil (HFO), followed by marine diesel fuel, which categorise the sector as a great emitter of pollutants. 

The path towards decarbonisation will not only lead to the reduction and/or abatement of GHGs, but also of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) emitted by fossil fuel combustion. 

OBJECTIVES

LIFE MYSTIC aims to replace the traditional diesel propulsion engines and generators of superyachts – over 40 metres long –  with a bi-fuel (diesel and methanol) energy generation system. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of bi-fuel propulsion engines and generators is expected to be enhanced to comply with TRL8, namely ‘System complete and qualified’ targets. This will make the technologies suitable to be marketed.

 

The project will also boost the production capacity of green methanol and this will generate environmental benefits in terms of reduction of CO2 and other polluting emissions common in maritime transport sector. 

 

RESULTS

The expected results of the LIFE MYSTIC project are:

• design of a 3-D model for the bi-fuel prototypes of engines, methanol storage tanks and distribution system for superyachts
• development of a retrofit kit for a marine 1066-kilowatt (kW) propulsion engine
• achievement of emission certification in accordance with EU standards for the bi-fuel engines
• manufacturing of 2 bi-fuel engines, bi-fuel generators and methanol tanks for use on superyachts
• testing of the integrated bi-fuel energy system onboard a superyacht through long-range cruising in different climatic conditions
• development of Life-Cycle Assessments (LCA), Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) studies related to the adoption of bi-fuel engines and generators on superyachts
• a 30% reduction in emissions of air pollutants generated by yachts, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and BC
• reductions of 63%, 55%, 41% and 31% respectively in emissions of CO2, PM, Nox and SOx generated by yachts 5 years after the project ends
• improvement of sea water quality thanks to a lower release of diesel fuel into marine environment