Antwerp launches initiative to achieve fossil-free shipping

The Port of Antwerp has launched the FASTWATER consortium, an initiative designed to demonstrate how methanol can be used to achieve fossil-free commercial shipping.

In a statement, the port said the consortium wanted to examine the potential for using methanol on retrofit and newbuild vessels as a “pathway” towards greener operations.

With funding from the European Commission, FASTWATER will focus on high impact outcomes, designing solutions for existing ships and designs for newbuilds, demonstrating methanol as a future-proof marine fuel to create a fast track to carbon neutral shipping.

How does Antwerp compare to other major ports in Europe?
Consortium members, including original engine manufacturers, shipyards, naval architects, ship owners/operators, port and maritime authorities, classification, fuel producers, and research institutes, will demonstrate feasibility on three vessels running on methanol fuel: a harbour tug, a pilot boat, and a coast guard vessel.

A conversion concept for a river cruise ship using methanol-driven propulsion will also be developed and a universal, scalable retrofit kit for converting diesel fuelled ships to methanol use for a wide power range (200 kW-4 MW) will be validated.

Additionally, FASTWATER will provide training programs for vessel crew and portside staff, develop rules and regulations for methanol marine fuel use, demonstrate the complete value chain for bunkering methanol – including net carbon neutral renewable methanol – elaborate a business plan, and identify CO2 and conventional pollutant reductions facilitated by the next generation methanol propulsion systems.

“The FASTWATER consortium members bring a strong track record with methanol projects to this effort, which will address current bottlenecks that are hindering the use of methanol as a fuel for waterborne transport,” said project manager Prof. Sebastian Verhelst of Lund University and Gent University.

“FASTWATER will put more methanol fuelled vessels on the water and showcase retrofit technologies that will serve as lighthouse projects supporting wider commercial introduction.”

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/antwerp-launches-initiative-to-achieve-fossil-free-shipping/