Pacific Ocean Engineering delivered the Eco Umande, the world’s first methanol-powered vessel adapted to operate with methanol and dual fuel. This innovative vessel, with a capacity of 950 TEU.
The methanol-powered ship
Initially built by New Dayang Shipbuilding under the supervision of SUMEC Marine the Eco Umande was designed with a methanol fuel reserve. With the growing commitment to emissions reduction, X-Press Feeders decided to retrofit the vessel so that it could use both methanol and other fuels. The modernization project, managed by SUMEC Marine and executed by Pacific Ocean Engineering, reflects a proactive response to accelerating global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint.
[post_relacionado]The vessel has impressive dimensions: 148 meters in length, 27.2 meters in width and 14.3 meters in draft. It is equipped with a 5S50ME methanol dual-fuel engine, manufactured by MAN Energy Solutions, which enables zero carbon emissions when using green methanol. This engine meets the stringent EEDI Stage III and Tier III standards in terms of safety, low emissions and environmental protection.
The modernization process was comprehensive, involving the installation of seven new systems and the modification of eight existing ones. The new facilities include a methane fuel system methane fuel system l, a nitrogen system and a bilge water system for the methanol equipment room. Improvements were also made to existing systems such as the CO₂ system, the water supply to the engine room and the ventilation system.
The methanol fuel system
One of the most challenging tasks was the prefabrication, installation, pressure testing and commissioning of approximately 3000 meters of 316L stainless steel piping, with about 3000 welded joints, designed to support the methanol fuel system and its ancillary components.
X-Press Feeders has also recently ordered four new 11,000 TEU methanol-powered container ships from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding of China. This order underscores the company’s continued commitment to innovation and sustainability in shipping.
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Source: Safety4Sea
Photo: Shutterstock