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 MOL, Hitachi Zosen and engine maker Yanmar.
Hitachi Zosen and Yanmar developed a methane oxidation catalyst system in 2022 that 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.
Project partner MOL said this resulted in a nearly 94% reduction in methane emissions witnessed by Japan’s 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.”
