ClassNK grants AiP for SRC’s Methanol Superstorage

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to SRC for its Methanol Superstorage tank design, which uses Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology to nearly double onboard storage capacity for methanol and ethanol.

The AiP confirms that the design meets the classification society’s Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels, Part A: Guidelines for Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuels (Edition 3.0.0) and is feasible for its intended application.

Unlike traditional fuel tanks with a six-metre cofferdam between internal and external walls, Methanol Superstorage employs an SPS structure — a 25mm elastomer core sandwiched between two steel plates — increasing storage capacity by 85%.

“With many methanol-ready ships now in operation, under construction or on order and ethanol also gaining traction, fuel storage has become an area of intense industry interest,” said Ryohei Sakai, manager (Project Hull), Technical Solution Department, ClassNK. “Because of its low volumetric energy density compared to HFO, a methanol tank would need to hold over twice the volume to generate the same energy, for example. SRC’s methanol fuel tank concept represents an approach to addressing this challenge.”

The Panama Maritime Authority has also issued an AiP for the concept.

“Receiving Approval in Principle for Methanol Superstorage from both ClassNK and Panama Maritime Authority represents a major step forward for SRC in our mission to achieve widespread industry acceptance for the solution,” said Alex Vainokivi, Innovation manager, SRC Group. “A Methanol Superstorage tank delivers almost twice the fuel storage volume of a traditional tank, while the SPS provides a triple barrier for fire protection, leak prevention and higher impact protection.”