As a result of the latest achievements in innovation for a more sustainable navigation, we are closer to CO2 emission free superyachts.
Since a couple of years, the superyacht industry has been severely attacked due to the number of polluting emissions generated by private vessels . In the way to a greener future , some of the big shipyards such us Lürssen , and Feadship have begun a great work of research and innovation to replace the current propulsion systems of the superyachts with cleaner and more efficient ones .
In Evolution, we believe in a zero-emission world , and because of that, we have been and currently are closely following up the development of this new ways of propulsion even if there is still a few information available about it.
But first of all, you will wonder… what are exactly this methanol fuel cells that you have been listening about recently?
What is a Methanol fuel cell?
Methanol fuel cells are a proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells that utilize methanol to produce hydrogen as their fuel . These type of power systems avoid noxious emissions such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and soot. They are virtually noise and vibration free and guarantee long-term reliability and enhanced performance . When combined with batteries, complete energy systems can be realized in a CO2 neutral way.
How do fuel cells work?
A single fuel cell consists of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) covered by a catalytic surface. On its anode side, the protons of the hydrogen atoms can cross the membrane. The electrons belonging to these protons are carried by an external electrical connection on the cathode side where they combine with the oxygen to form water. Many of these fuel cell slides are assembled to a multi-cell stack to form the core of the power generating system .
This electrical energy produced by this process , can be used for drive systems or hotel operations , while the heat that it generates, can be used for central or pool heating .
Apart from that, thanks to their modular construction , they can be adjusted to customized yachts , so they keep space requirements and costs as low as possible while the efficiency of the system is high .
Why use methanol and not other chemicals such as hydrogen?
Storing the amount of hydrogen that would be required for this purpose in pure form, won’t be practical due to the huge space needed for both cryogenics and pressure tanks on board a vessel. However, hydrogen can be transformed into methanol by the chemically bonding it to carbon dioxide. Methanol can be stored in structural tanks in the double bottom of a yacht . Another advantage of the Methanol is that is completely biodegradable , so in case of an accidental leak into the sea or the ocean, there wouldn’t be a major harm to the ecosystem .
Even if Methanol is already available worldwide as a basic material for the chemicals industry , the idea would be to use the methanol obtained from renewable energies or recycled carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere. This way a climate-neutral closed CO2 cycle would be created.
Check a short video about the matter, courtesy of Lürssen .
The Lürssen shipyard has been involved in r esearch projects related to using fuel cells on ships in order to advance in sustainable shipbuilding since 2005 .
Working together with Rolls-Royce Power Systems , they are making a strong case for methanol as an environmentally and climate friendly fuel for yachts and currently collaborating with MTU to develop an engine that uses Methanol as fuel .
As methanol is highly flammable and its storage takes wider space than the diesel does, there is some awareness work to do making owners realize that sacrificing a little hull space to propulsion and fuel storage for improving sustainability is worth it .
Peter Lürssen states: “ My great grandfather built the world’s first motorboat in 1886, my dream is to be the first to build a yacht without a combustion engine ”.
Last year, the German shipyard announced the building of their first yacht with fuel cell technology , and it has already successfully completed the first test runs in the Innovation Laboratory that they have in their yard in Bremen .
Are we close to this historical event that would be a superyacht propelled solely by the use of sustainable energies ? In Evolution we will keep a close eye on them so we can be ready to assist you in anything your new brand green superyacht might need .
Contact us in hola@evolutionagents.com
Evolution Yacht Agents is the leading-edge team of professionals dedicated to providing assured and quality support and services to yachts in Spanish waters.
A full range of superyacht specialized services includes: charter license & legal advice, TPA (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.
