Green Shipping Wadden Sea
Development of Maritime Methanol Systems
Both professional and recreational shipping play a major role in the Wadden Sea region. This is vital to the area, but it has a major impact on the environment. In particular, the local environmental effects of transport such as noise and emissions of NOx, SOx, fine particles and heavy metals can have a strongly disruptive effect on the Wadden area. The sector is therefore looking at the transition to sustainable energy sources.
Development of Maritime Methanol Systems
World Heritage
The Wadden Sea is the largest tidal system in the world, where natural processes can take place undisturbed. The area extends from the coast in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. Because of its geological and ecological values, which are unique worldwide, the Wadden Sea is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Wadden Sea region is a dynamic landscape with a multitude of habitats shaped by wind and tides. Global biodiversity is dependent on the Wadden Sea. (Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, 2021)
Both professional and recreational shipping play a major role in the Wadden Sea region, but it has a major impact on the environment. In particular, the local environmental effects of transport such as noise and emissions of NOx, SOx, fine particles and heavy metals can have a strongly disruptive effect on the Wadden Region. The sector is therefore looking at the transition to sustainable energy sources.
The project
Within the Green Shipping Wadden Sea project, Electric Ship Facilities is committed to the development of maritime methanol systems. The methanol fuel cell of Electric Ship Facilities will first be tested on a small scale in a maritime environment. The first methanol drivetrain is implemented in the 'Northman 1200 Electric & Fuel Cell Powered' in which the methanol fuel cell is used as a range extender. This drivetrain consists of a large battery pack and the methanol fuel cell, making it possible to cruise 100% electric and be independent of shore power.
Together with experts, we look at the regulations as if the 'Northman 1200 Electric & Fuel Cell Powered' is an inland vessel. These developments within the Green Shipping Wadden Sea project allow us to scale up to larger systems such as the brown fleet, shrimp- and North Sea trawlers.
methanol fuel cell
Our methanol fuel cell offers the possibility of emission-free boating. We see green methanol as a promising energy carrier. Methanol is easy to store, has a good energy density, is widely available and easy to produce, and is price competitive with diesel. The methanol logistics can be arranged within the existing infrastructure. Storage of methanol on board of vessels is no problem.
Partners
The project is being carried out by Electric Ship Facilities in cooperation with the following partners: Bureau Scheepvaart Certificering, Conoship International and Stokkel Engineering and FME.
