Η μεθανόλη σαν ναυτιλιακό καύσιμο - προβλήματα και προοπτικές

Abstract

This thesis is about methanol and its application as an alternative marine fuel. Methanol is one of the most commercial chemicals in the world, therefore, its availability as a bunker fuel is not considered a hurdle. Despite of its difficulties related to certain characteristics, such as flammability, the main reason that methanol is currently seriously considered as an alternative marine fuel is that it can easily comply with the strict regulations regarding air pollution in maritime. The main characteristics of methanol are initially presented, as well as its main production methods. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulatory framework concerning air pollution and GHG (Green House Gases) is analysed and the potential advantages offered by the methanol use as a marine fuel are presented. A case study of a ship conversion of an existing road ferry for diesel to methanol operation is presented in details, based on the publicly available findings of a research project titled “Sustainable Marine Methanol - SUMMETH”. This project was financed by the Swedish Maritime Administration and the Methanol Institute, was finalized on 2018, and its overall objective was to advance the technological development and provide recommendations for introduction of methanol as an alternative fuel for coastal and inland waterway vessels to reduce their emissions and carbon footprint, targeting mainly north west Europe. More specifically, the study and the present thesis are focused on the engine technology required and the safety measures that have to be adopted, in order for methanol to be a safe option. The presentation of the conversion design of the road ferry M/S Jupiter includes important details regarding the arrangements of the tank room and the machinery. A key aspect of these arrangements is the safety of all passengers. Τhe engine technology options that are capable of using methanol as a marine fuel in order to reduce the air pollutants, i.e. nitrogen and sulfur oxides, particulate matter, as well as carbon dioxide as the main greenhouse gas, are analysed. A detailed comparison of air pollutants and GHG from methanol with those that are generated from diesel, follows. Green methanol is also considered as it drastically reduces GHG in the carbon cycle. The methanol case is also analysed from an economical point of view and is currently considered a rather expensive solution. The findings of this thesis shows that methanol presents promising data regarding availability, environmental performance, engine development and safety measures. As a result, it can be considered as a strong candidate for the alternative fuel sector, especially if certain financial incentives for its use are adopted on a national or European level, in the near future.