Shipping Coalition Deploys Novel Tech to Tackle Methane Slip

A coalition of companies led by Safetytech Accelerator has recently completed three feasibility studies as part of its ‘Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII). The results of the studies suggest that there is potential to harness new technologies to radically reduce methane slip from shipping operations. 

The coalition, which includes Chevron, Carnival Corporation, Shell, Seapeak and others, selected three companies that are developing novel ways to reduce instances of methane ‘slip’ from vessels. 

These companies were Xplorobot, Sorama, and framergy. Individually, each company is in the progress of developing tech that will detect, measure, and capture fugitive methane emissions. 

Xpolorobot’s solution centres on a handheld device and AI-powered platform to detect and measure methane on ships using computer vision to pinpoint leak locations, overlay real-time emission rate data, and integrate into existing systems to resolve leaks.

The feasibility study demonstrated that Xplorobot’s solution could be radically effective. To quote, ‘The technology demonstrated accuracy levels of +/-30% for emissions over 500 grams per hour and +/-50% for emissions between 100 and 500 grams per hour, thanks to a refined neural network algorithm calibrated through controlled release experiments. Xplorobot’s solution promises to reduce inspection time dramatically, with the ability to inspect 50 to 100 components in under an hour - sometimes as quickly as 10 minutes’. 

Soroma’s solution involves acoustic cameras that detect fugitive methane by visualising sound and vibration fields in 3D. 

Framergy is focused on developing absorbents and catalysts for methane emission management. In particular, they have developed AYRSORB™ F250GII, which captures and stores fugitive methane by selectively filtering methane from the air, leveraging its ultra-high surface area and coordination chemistry. 

The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII), was established in September 2022 in response to criticisms of the use of LNG as an alternative fuel. As one of the most potent greenhouse gases, there are concerns about the inadvertent release of methane during the LNG combustion process. Concerns have also been raised regarding the release of methane throughout the LNG supply chain - from loading to engine delivery.

That major energy providers have joined the initiative suggests that there is a concerted effort to significantly reduce methane slip and secure LNG as a future fuel for the shipping industry. 

As Jerome Cousin, SVP Shipping at TotalEnergies, stated: 

“As the world’s third-largest LNG player, we are delighted to be joining the MAMII initiative and contributing our expertise in reducing the emissions all along the gas value chain. It is key for TotalEnergies to further improve the environmental benefits of LNG as a marine fuel, already a major decarbonisation lever for the maritime industry”.

Speaking on his company’s participation in MAMII, Oleg Mikhailov, the CEO of Xplorobot, said: 

“Participating in Safetytech Accelerator’s MAMII program has been an invaluable experience for Xplorobot. Working with industry leaders provided in-depth insights into the methane emission monitoring needs of the shipping industry. 

It also allowed us to showcase the impact of our methane detection and mitigation technology. Xplorobot’s goal is to empower shipping operators with actionable insights to reduce emissions, enhance safety and operational efficiency, and achieve their sustainability goals”.

Now that feasibility studies have been completed, the next step will be to proceed to on-ship trials ‘as soon as possible’.

Fuel quality and contamination disputes

If you find yourself embroiled in a dispute over the quality and/or contamination of vessel fuels, Brookes Bell is here to help. 

Our team is able to take and analyse samples to provide the answers and data you need to reach a successful resolution. 

Explore Brookes Bell’s fuel oil quality services now

For more maritime industry insights, news and information, read the Brookes Bell News and Knowledge Hub…

LNG Carbon Capture Test Achieves ‘Promising Results’ | Global LNG Demand to Drive Shipping’s Gas Carrier Sector | SEA-LNG Forecasts Elimination of ‘Methane Slip’ Within 10-Year