Alfa Laval is at the forefront of the marine industry’s fuel transition with its methanol solutions, knowledge and experience. The pioneering methanol-driven project for a Chinese shipowner involves installation of Alfa Laval’s FCM Methanol-the low-flashpoint fuel supply system, on board four of its vessels. This project is a landmark achievement not only for Alfa Laval but also for the shipowner, the shipyard and the engine designer

Collaborative efforts to fuel the future of methanol
Alfa Laval has achieved another significant milestone in its methanol journey by winning an order for FCM Methanol (LFSS) for four mega container vessels being constructed by a Chinese shipyard. The new vessel series will have a two-stroke WinGD methanol engine and four-stroke Wärtsilä methanol engines. FCM Methanol will work for WinGD main engines and Wärtsilä auxiliary engines.

Deliveries of the FCM Methanol will commence in 2024.Alfa Laval’s methanol experience, strong service network and after-sales support, combined with close cooperation with the shipowner and the shipyard, made the company a clear choice for this project.

“We are honoured to have been selected to deliver the methanol fuel supply systems for these pioneering methanol-fuelled vessels,” says Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval. “This project exemplifies our commitment to bringing alternative fuels into the shipping industry. We see close cooperation with key stakeholders, such as shipowners, shipyards, engine designers and engineering companies, as a way forward to make meaningful progress towards decarbonization.”

Proven technology and extensive experience
Alfa Laval has been at the forefront of driving the decarbonization agenda by continuously refining its technological know-how in developing new solutions for methanol transition since 2015. The company’s proven expertise in fuel supply systems and comprehensive understanding of methanol as marine fuel played crucial in this project.

With mature technologies and reliable automation, the Alfa Laval FCM Methanol safely supplies methanol within the flow rate, pressure, temperature, and filtration parameters specified by the engine maker. Due to its adaptability to any engine and vessel design, it enables turnkey LFSS deliveries for easy installation.

Landmark project characterized by several firsts
The project is characterized by several firsts, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to address and embrace a joint responsibility towards decarbonization. It marks the first time that a Chinese shipowner has ordered methanol-capable vessels. It is also the first time for the shipyard to build such vessels, and for WinGD to deliver engines for methanol – fuelled ships. Furthermore, Alfa Laval will provide a customized methanol fuel supply system, adapting its FCM Methanol design to the requirements of these engines for the first time, marking it a significant milestone for the company as well.