MOL and Hitachi team to trial methane slip solution on LNG-fuelled coal carrier

Mitsui OSK Line, Hitachi Zosen and Yanmar are set to test a methane catalyst system on a vessel following successful land trials

The trials will be undertaken on the gas-fuelled 95,792-dwt coal carrier Reimei (built 2023).

The installation follows land-based trials of industrial technologies developed by Mitsui OSK Line, Hitachi Zosen and the engine maker Yanmar.

Hitachi Zosen and Yanmar developed a methane oxidation catalyst system in 2022 which reduces methane slip by oxidising emitted methane from LNG-fuelled engines.

Methane slip is unburned fuel that passes through the engine and into the atmosphere and is a much greater greenhouse gas than the CO₂ emitted.

Last year land-based tests connected the new catalyst with exhaust gas recirculation and additional engine improvements.

The project partner said this resulted in a nearly 94% reduction in methane emissions witnessed by the Japanese class society ClassNK. The target had been a 70% reduction, they said.

The shipboard demonstration of the system will start in the autumn of this year.

In a statement, MOL said: “As for fuels for ships, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are being considered as future options.

“However, the widespread use of LNG fuel is currently being promoted as a low-emission fuel that is feasible at present.

“Nevertheless, while LNG fuel has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions, methane slip is an issue.”