The Alfa Laval Aqua Blue E2 freshwater generator, announced in late 2022 as a two-stage addition to the Aqua Blue freshwater generator family, has received its first orders from A.P. Moller-Maersk and the Grimaldi Group.
The Aqua Blue E2 uses a single plate pack for the desalination process of evaporation, separation and condensation. By applying Alfa Laval’s 3 in 1 Aqua plate technology in two stages, it reduces seawater flow needs, energy use and related CO2 emissions. Providing up to 100m3 of fresh water per day, it consumes 50% less electrical power than conventional single- and two-stage freshwater generators.
Serdar Sengun, Alfa Laval Head of Marine Heat Transfer said: “The Aqua Blue E2 can be a powerful tool for improving EEDI, EEXI or CII. With its two stages, it can provide twice the amount of fresh water for the waste heat energy put in. Alternatively, it can produce a given amount of fresh water with around half the waste heat input. By using the surplus heat to generate electricity with the Alfa Laval E-PowerPack, for example, the vessel can reduce its net energy consumption even more.”
The energy-saving advantages of the Aqua Blue E2 are considered attractive as shipowners work to decarbonise. Prior to the official launch, A.P. Moller-Maersk ordered the Aqua Blue E2 for installation on a methanol-fuelled feeder that will be the world’s first carbon-neutral liner vessel.
Benny Hilstrom, Head of Machinery, Maersk’s Fleet Technology department, said: “We have set ambitious targets for the entire A.P. Moller-Maersk business to achieve net zero emissions in 2040. As we lead the way in decarbonising global logistics, we seek the most efficient technologies for all onboard processes, this also includes generating fresh water in the most efficient way.”
Grimaldi Group has selected the Aqua Blue E2 for 10 PCTC vessels to be built in China. For the Italian shipowner, it is important that the freshwater generation process on board is as environmentally friendly as possible, and additional features like non-glued gaskets are a valuable complement to the energy savings.
Ship Design Project Engineer Antonietta De Rosa said: “We choose our equipment with care for both efficiency and our crews. The Aqua Blue E2 combines energy efficiency with ease of maintenance, the goals we aim for every day.”
The Aqua Blue E2 freshwater generator joins the single-stage models in the Aqua Blue family, which provide maximum capacities of 18m3 or 60m3 per day.
