Houlder assists in design of methanol bunker vessel
Illustration of the methanol bunkering vessel (Source: Houlder)
London-based ship design and engineering firm, Houlder, has announced significant progress in its participation in the UK’s Shipping and Port Interfaces in New Era (SPINE) project with the design of a 10,000m3 methanol bunkering vessel.
The SPINE initiative brings together a number of organisations with the aim of establishing an interface between ships, remote control centres, port operating systems, and national energy infrastructure.
The methanol bunkering vessel is designed for the supply of fuel to a wide range of ship types and sizes, including cruise and container ships. The use of methanol as both cargo and fuel presented a range of challenges, not the least space requirements owing to its relatively low energy density.
Houlder’s design team assessed scope to balance bunker capacity with a requirement for a vessel comparable in size to a small tanker. The design firm used digital twin technology to assess the impact of design adjustments. Computation of fluid dynamics proved helpful in the comparison of design features, including twin propeller arrangements and bulbous bow designs.
Houlder’s project director, Arun Pillai, commented: "Entering the SPINE project, Houlder aimed to expand its influence in the research and development activities around alternative fuels. Completion of this design project involved detailed analyses to ensure compliance with stringent regulations governing methanol as both fuel and cargo, reaffirming Houlder’s expertise in this area."
“We are pleased with the outcome of this concept design project, and Houlder looks forward to engaging with additional stakeholders interested in advancing methanol bunkering and exploring further opportunities in alternative fuel and efficient vessel design,” he added.
