About SPIRETH

The main goal of the project is to test methanol and di-methyl ether (DME) in a full scale pilot project, to contribute to finding the best environmental and economic alternative for a sustainable and successful maritime transport industry. The two main test streams are:

  • developing an on board process for the conversion of methanol into a mix of methanol, water and di-methyl-ether, which will then be tested as a fuel in an adapted diesel auxiliary engine on board a ropax ferry.
  • adapting a marine diesel engine to run efficiently on methanol and conducting laboratory testing using pure and raw methanol.

Operation and testing of a methanol-DME system on board a ship as proposed for this project is expected to provide unique field-based information on emissions levels, engine performance, and operational costs. It is also expected to contribute new information on safety through hazard and risk studies conducted within the project and also through field experience with bunkering and operation.

Methanol is a clean fuel

Methanol does not contain sulphur. Emissions of particulate matter and NOx from methanol combustion in marine engines are expected to be lower than those resulting from the combustion of conventional fuels. Methanol is widely available, can be safely transported and distributed using existing infrastructure, and in 2012 it is currently much cheaper than marine distillate fuel based on energy content. It can be produced from both renewable and non-renewable feedstocks, as well as by recycling CO2 from flue gases or capture and recycling of atmospheric CO2. When “green” methanol becomes more widely available it will help ship operators meet greenhouse gas reduction targets and move shipping to a fossil fuel free and low-carbon future.

Project schedule and structure

SPIRETH began in late 2011, and testing is expected to begin in 2013. The project work is structured in nine “work packages”, as follows:

  • Project management
  • Complete system design
  • Quality assurance and safety assessment
  • Engine modification
  • Fuel process plant
  • Planning and execution of on board installation
  • Test program
  • Performance measurement and evaluation
  • Dissemination and reporting

 

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