Alfa Laval has now received over 100 orders for its low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) FCM Methanol, which the company says reflects the increasing trust shipyards and shipowners have in Alfa Laval’s fuel treatment expertise, including newer fuel alternatives.
With the maritime industry undergoing a transformative shift towards decarbonisation, methanol has emerged as a preferred alternative fuel for many owners when ordering new vessels. According to the Methanol Institute, over 250 new methanol-capable vessels have been ordered worldwide so far, and methanol is the most contracted alternative fuel type in 2023, highlighting its growing acceptance.
With over 50 years of experience in fuel treatment, Alfa Laval has established the FCM Methanol as a reliable solution for methanol handling. Introduced in 2015, the system has the longest operational experience in the market with over 450,000 running hours at sea.
Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation and Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval said: “Our journey to this point would not be possible without precious partnerships with engine designers, shipyards and great cooperation with shipowners who are precursors in adopting alternative fuels. Together, we will continue to develop fuel treatment solutions for alternative fuels and support the maritime industry’s ambition to meet the climate targets.”
Alfa Laval is at its third generation of FCM Methanol and the most recent orders are utilising the latest generation of this solution. The first vessels equipped with the system are nearing their second dry dock inspections, with the technology demonstrating a good track record in terms of safety, reliability, and user-friendliness.
Alfa Laval says its experience has enabled it to build a robust support system around methanol. A global network of service professionals is in place to secure maximum system uptime. To ensure efficient operations and maximum engine protection, Alfa Laval has developed specialised service kits for optimised FCM maintenance. Furthermore, to be geographically closer to its global customer base, the production and supply chain has been expanded across Europe and recently China.
The FCM Methanol is not only securing new build orders but is also part of innovative projects. An example is its selection for the industry’s first methanol retrofit project for a Maersk container vessel. In addition, similar projects are under discussion with other shipowners. While reaching 100 orders is a significant achievement, the development journey continues. Alfa Laval is actively collaborating with MAN ES to develop a fuel supply system for four-stroke engines and is partnering with WinGD to have a solution soon ready for ammonia for two-stroke engines.
Image: Alfa Laval FCM Methanol (source: Alfa Laval/Wake Media)
