A consortium led by Intrada Ships Management in partnership with Ecomar Propulsion Ltd, University of Strathclyde and MarRI-UK has won a government grant through the CMDC4 (Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition) to look at reducing carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030.
The project will look at developing a zero-emission design for a modular fuel-based power train and propulsion system that is dedicated to retro fitting existing short sea shipping coasters for the UK and European existing short sea fleets, to achieve 2030 emissions targets and beyond.
Over the 12 months of the project, the main goal of this initiative is to assess the feasibility and develop a design prototype for a novel, zero-emission vessel powered by alternative fuels, initially focusing on methanol but designed for future adaptability to existing vessels. This innovative vessel design incorporates an innovative rudder system to significantly enhance energy efficiency of the vessel, effectively addressing a technological gap in the industry. The modular system can then be adopted partially or totally by shipowners who need a de-risked zero-emission solution.
HEROZEC will use green methanol and hybrid electric propulsion concepts; modules of exchangeable methanol-fuelled generators of several configurations (methanol reformer and fuel cells, reciprocating engines, or other innovative concepts), combined with batteries packs, electric or hybrid propulsion units.
The combined effect will provide a zero-emission solution for existing ships.
“MarRI-UK is proud to be a partner in the ‘Highly Efficient Retrofitted Zero Emission Coaster’ (HEROZEC), that will bring together multidisciplinary expertise in the maritime domain, academia, equipment manufacturers, ship owner and classification society to develop modular alternative fuel-powered propulsion system and evaluate the technical feasibility of retrofitting or substituting the ship’s propulsion system with the modular system. This project will help to identify market opportunities across the UK and Europe for short sea coaster shipping to reduce the carbon emissions to meet the IMO GHG Strategy.” – Simon Reid, Director of MarRI-UK