Alfa Laval has expanded its portfolio of alternative fuel solutions with the introduction of methanol-fired Aalborg boiler systems that offer fuel flexibility, accommodating a range of fuel types including methanol. This addition marks a significant milestone in the marine industry as it will be the first time a methanol boiler will be installed onboard a ship.
With the marine industry´s increasing focus on low carbon-based solutions, Alfa Laval has secured significant orders for Aalborg boilers operating on methanol.
The methanol-fired boiler solutions will be installed, for the first time, on new build container vessels and more deliveries are in the pipeline for cruise ships and tankers. Deliveries of the methanol boilers are scheduled to commence in late 2023.
The Aalborg boiler solutions are specifically designed with decarbonisation and fuel transition in mind. Besides operating on current fuel types, including low-sulphur fuels, biofuels and LNG, it is designed for compatibility with methanol and other emission-reducing fuels. Alfa Laval’s ‘ready boiler’ concept is intended to offer a future-proof platform, allowing for easy adjustments to the existing burner and boiler pressure section as needed.
Jeppe Jacobsen, Head of Global Sales, Heat and Gas Systems, Alfa Laval said: “Our boiler solutions are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable shipping and ensure readiness for today’s and tomorrow’s emission-reducing fuels, including methanol. Having been pioneers in delivering steam boilers for LNG, we are pleased to be the first to support our customers in their fuel transition with our methanol-fired boilers.”
Irrespective of the fuel choice, Aalborg boiler solutions are believed to ensure substantial fuel savings through high thermal efficiency and Turbo Clean intelligent (TCi) technology. The TCi cleaning process enhances efficiency while guaranteeing a prolonged boiler service life.
Alfa Laval has rigorously tested boiler operations with methanol at the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre in Aalborg, Denmark since early 2021. In November 2021, ABS granted Alfa Laval the first marine Approval in Principle for operating boilers on methanol. Alfa Laval is now ready to deploy methanol boiler solutions for some of the largest shipowners, driving the adoption of boilers for alternative fuels across the maritime industry.
The Alfa Laval FCM Methanol fuel supply system and a range of heat exchangers for methanol have been proven at sea. With the addition of the Aalborg boiler for methanol, Alfa Laval is supporting shipowners in the design of methanol-fuelled vessels.
