Scandlines investigates methanol retrofits with Caterpillar
Already-advanced Copenhagen, shown, and sister ship Berlin could benefit from almost-zero emissions with methanol retrofits (Source: Scandlines)
Scandlines has signed an MoU with Caterpillar Motoren to explore how a MaK diesel on its Rostock-Gedser hybrid ferries can be converted to e-methanol, using a regime of testing throughout 2025.
Scandlines has committed to zero direct emissions by 2040.
The two Rostock-Gedser ferries, Berlin and Copenhagen, are 2016-built hybrids of 22,300gt each. They already benefit from rotor sails as well as battery-hybrid operation, could see their CO2 emissions reduced by 95% providing that the engine retrofits prove successful, and a reliable supply of green methanol can be secured.
If successful, Caterpillar’s testing could lead to the conversion of the first Scandlines diesel engine to e-methanol as early as 2027.
Diesel-methanol conversions are increasing in popularity recently, following 88-day conversion on Maersk Halifax, and a commitment by Hapag-Lloyd to convert five vessels.
Sensitive aspects of engine design include header, valve and injector geometry; but many engine components are similar regardless of fuel. Contrary to expectations, the engine itself is not the most complex part of a methanol retrofit; rather, methanol tanks must be bigger than conventional fuel tanks, which generally leads either to a sacrificing of cargo space, or vessel lengthening as in the case of Maersk Halifax.
Scandlines’ fleet will soon be joined by 15,000gt battery-powered ferry Futura, under construction at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey and due for delivery in 2025.
