Search this site
69 results found with an empty search
- Thetius Study Highlights Advantages of e1 Marine’s Methanol to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Bend, Oregon, United States, 07 September 2023 – An independent study conducted by maritime research house Thetius has revealed that methanol to hydrogen generator technology, developed by renewable energy technology pioneer e1 Marine, can significantly reduce EPA-regulated emissions by up to 99% when using grey methanol when compared with conventional diesel engines for inland waterway vessels. The technology can also reduce GHG emissions by up to 85% when using green methanol as feedstock in the same application. The international maritime industry is under pressure to meet 2030 and 2050 International Maritime Organization (IMO) emissions goals, as well as local and global emissions rules, including those set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Union (EU). e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen generator technology makes it possible to convert methanol to fuel-cell grade hydrogen onboard a vessel. This provides a power source for hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries, which can be used for primary propulsion. In the report, ‘Towards Zero’, Thetius’ analysis used 50,000 hours of operating data from eight inland diesel pushboats (workboats) in the USA to develop a cumulative load profile for comparison, which was underpinned by science developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The results of the modeling showed significant potential emissions (EPA and GHG) reduction versus conventional diesel engines for vessel operators who deploy methanol to hydrogen fuel cell power solutions. The conclusions indicated were: ‘Near Zero’ harmful emissions – achieving a 99% reduction of EPA-regulated emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) based on using readily available grey methanol. Meaningful improvement on GHG emissions – up to 27% fewer GHG emissions when operating on readily available grey methanol. Towards Zero GHG – an 85% GHG emissions reduction is possible when using 100% green methanol, which is starting to become available in marine quantities. Substantial GHG emissions can still be made by using a blend of grey and green methanol. e1 Marine’s solution provides clear advantages of future-proofing inland waterways, ports, and short sea vessels against current and anticipated increasingly robust GHG and local pollutant regulation. It also enables ocean-going vessel operators an option to utilize the onboard methanol to hydrogen generator technology while in port amid more stringent port emissions rules. Robert Schluter, Managing Director, e1 Marine, commented: “As the shipping industry faces a plethora of regulations that will continue to ratchet up in terms of levels of compliance, it is vital to take a holistic approach to plan for next-gen propulsion. For smaller vessel’s main propulsion and ocean-going vessels auxiliary engines, the Thetius findings – based on a large amount of operating data, enabling a reasonable degree of accuracy - underline the capacity of e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen generator technology to almost eradicate local pollutant concerns and offer a clear pathway to 2030 and 2050 GHG emission compliance. “Renewable alternatives, such as hydrogen, are gaining traction. However, pure hydrogen faces challenges in transportation and storage, hindering its implementation for direct fuel usage. e1 Marine’s technology fosters sustainable and eco-friendly marine operations that negate these challenges.” Nick Chubb, CEO, Thetius, added: “Our model suggests that the e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen generators potentially produce 10-27% fewer GHG emissions than conventional diesel ICEs operating on grey methanol. Moreover, a blend of green and grey methanol can achieve substantial reductions, with 85% GHG emissions reduction possible when using green methanol. Therefore, the initial results are promising and show the clear advantages methanol to hydrogen generator technology can bring.” From 1 January 2030, a ship (being any containership and any passenger ship (over 5,000 GT) not otherwise exempted under the legislation) moored at berth for two hours or longer in an EU port shall be required to connect to an on-shore power supply (OPS) (or alternative, approved zero-emission technology). In the United States, port emissions are managed by local authorities, with policies that vary from state to state. For example, in 2021, California’s State Office of Administrative Law tightened emissions regulations defined by the Control Measure for Ocean-Going Vessels at Berth, which includes limits on GHGs and adds shore power mandates. A full copy of the Towards Zero report is available to access free of charge, here.
- Two key takeaways from MEPC 80
At MEPC 80, we saw that the IMO is responsive to the ambitious GHG targets being set within and beyond the industry. That’s the first of two key takeaways from the meeting, says e1 Marine Managing Director, Robert Schluter. We saw from MEPC 80 that the IMO is willing to strengthen its decarbonization targets for shipping significantly. We have moved from a 50% GHG reduction ambition target by 2050 to net-zero by or around 2050. There are also interim targets of 20%, striving for 30%, in 2030 and then 70%, aiming for 80%, in 2040, compared to 2008 levels. The first key takeaway from MEPC 80 is that the IMO is willing to recognise the ambitious goals within and outside the industry - the demands for change made by shippers and consumers worldwide. We can expect it will continue to respond and keep pace with society. While some may have been disappointed by the vague terminology of “by or around 2050,” it is possible that this will tighten up over time as progress is made. There are two regulatory foundations set for ensuring this progress. A technical, goal-based agenda will ensure the phase-in of new fuels with reduced GHG intensity, and a carbon pricing mechanism will be introduced and linked to the GHG intensity regulations. The uncertainty about the details of these measures is common. Alternatives have been discussed at length and anticipated for years, and we can expect that they will be overcome gradually with due care taken to ensure they are workable. The second key takeaway from MEPC 80 is the commitment to addressing life-cycle GHG emissions from shipping. MEPC 80 adopted the “Guidelines on Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels” (LCA Guidelines), which set out methods for calculating well-to-wake GHG emissions for alternative fuels and other energy carriers (e.g. electricity). However, the discussion of onboard carbon capture and storage was postponed until 2024, but it will ultimately be linked to the development work that will be ongoing on the LCA guidelines. The LCA Guidelines highlight the agreement reached among member states for taking a well-to-wake approach to sustainability. Shipping will not just push responsibility for its emissions upstream. That will come at a cost. We can expect net-zero fuels to be expensive and their storage requirements onboard to be demanding. What the industry needs is a viable pathway to decarbonization that is proven, safe, and viable now to meet this myriad of targets, especially as the likes of the EU, Canada, and the US could progress beyond IMO and impose their own individual measures to drive sustainable shipping. We’ve already seen this in California with the incremental introduction of its At Berth regulation. Ultimately, it means that we can expect strong demand for solutions during this decade as fuels such as methanol providing the pathway towards green hydrogen To accelerate the availability of new technologies, such as fuel cells and solutions to enable a faster energy transition, the supporting frameworks must catch up. We need to foster a culture of flexibility and adaptability to rewrite the rule book regarding certification and commercial agreements that recognise the cost of investment alongside payback and broader benefits. From our own experience, it’s encouraging that there is a spirit of true collaboration throughout the product testing process, and the hours of trials we are conducting generate some valuable learnings. We are poised to provide a meaningful contribution to cleaner, efficient maritime operations through alternative fuels that can meet the IMO’s targets and look forward to working with vessel owners and operators to unlock shipping’s green future.
- Element 1 & NEXA Capital Form JV to Bring Methanol-based Hydrogen Generation to the Aerospace Sector
Commercial ready low carbon solutions for grid independent battery charging and hydrogen refueling in support of electric flight and airport equipment electrification Element 1 Corporation (e1) and NEXA Capital Partners LLC (NEXA) announced today that they have formed a new joint venture named Hydrogen Aviation Development Company (HADC or the JV)... Read the rest on Business Wire
- e1 Marine, PowerCell and Maritime Partners test first methanol-to-fuel cell power chain
e1 Marine is proud to share that in collaboration with PowerCell Group and Maritime Partners, LLC, we have achieved a major breakthrough by demonstrating the world's first methanol-to-fuel cell power chain. This successful test illustrates the success of our PEM methanol into hydrogen technology to generate clean and efficient power. The string test simulation was applied to the pioneering tug-boat, the MV Hydrogen One. However, the system is also designed for use more broadly, including push-boats, and superyachts, offering immense potential. The result of the test proves the viability of a our technology that takes methanol fuel and converts it to hydrogen onboard ships before using the hydrogen in a fuel cell to generate power cleanly and efficiently. Commenting on this latest milestone, Robert Schluter, Managing Director at e1 Marine, said: “This rigorous test has delivered exciting results thanks to a great deal of collaboration between equipment suppliers, and the results should be a cause for optimism across the industry. This test demonstrates that a methanol-to-hydrogen power chain is ready and waiting to deliver renewable power to a range of maritime applications.” The successful test sets the stage for a greener maritime industry. Find out more in Offshore Energy here.
- Methanol is gaining momentum and supply won’t be an issue
by e1 Marine’s Global Commercial Sales Director, Maite Klarup I recently participated in the TradeWinds Green Seas Fuels Forum “Solving the puzzle: lining up technology and supply for new fuels”, and the concept of using methanol as a hydrogen carrier was well-received by the panel. What challenged them, though, was the pathway from grey to green methanol and the potential lack of availability of the fuel. A potential market is being built Let’s first look at methanol’s potential as a green shipping fuel. Methanol is a great transportation fuel with high energy density, wide availability, and safer than some fuels explored by shipping. It is currently available as a marine fuel at 122 ports around, and it is taking an early lead as a sustainable marine fuel that can support the industry’s decarbonization journey. Recent orders for methanol-powered ships by Maersk, CMA CGM, Stena, and COSCO have significantly boosted interest in the fuel. According to DNV, 22 methanol ships are vessels currently using methanol as a marine fuel. And the new orders of methanol ships are growing steadily: Maersk alone has ordered 19 dual-fuel methanol engines since 2021. Methanol will come further to the fore as a fuel for powering fuel cells on ships. Hydrogen as an alternative fuel is a promising clean energy source but comes with significant storage, transportation and cost challenges. e1 Marine’s technology provides a solution that produces hydrogen at the point of consumption, eliminating the logistical challenges and costs of storing and transporting compressed hydrogen - not to mention some of the rules and regulations. When used with PEM fuel cells, e1 Marine’s methanol reformer can produce hydrogen on board vessels, creating a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective solution. Our reforming technology generates onboard hydrogen simply using methanol mixed with water. This hydrogen then feeds into a fuel cell when and where it is needed. The remaining hydrogen-depleted gas is combusted to create the steam for the hot box reformer instead of being wasted. Further, the de-ionised water comes from the fuel cells, so it’s condensed and put back in the tank. It has zero particulate matter and no nitrous oxide or sulphur oxide emissions. Therefore, methanol as a hydrogen carrier is becoming more attractive as a clean and sustainable future fuel for maritime fuel cell applications. In the deep-sea, cruise and inland waterways segments, we see a focus on replacing auxiliary engines with fuel cells to get emission-free power onboard, particularly for use while a ship is in port. And, in the deep-sea segment particularly, there is a class of vessel that is too young to scrap and too old to comply with anticipated 2050 regulations. These ships need retrofit solutions, such as fuel cells, to reduce emissions and enable them to remain compliant with IMO regulations such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and regional regulation from the likes of the European Union and the state of California over the next decade. The perceived availability challenge doesn’t exist Now, let’s address concerns raised at the TradeWinds forum about the availability of methanol as a marine fuel. The concern is unfounded. The Methanol Institute is currently tracking more than 80 renewable methanol projects expected to produce more than eight million metric tons per year of renewable methanol by 2027. Projects are underway in Europe, North and South America and Asia. This production will increase as demand from the shipping industry grows. As one example of this response, Spanish energy giant Iberdrola has announced the development of a new green hydrogen and methanol plant in Tasmania, Australia. The new facility, one of the largest in the world, will produce up to 300,000 tonnes of methanol for use as a marine fuel. Across the industry, there is the expectation that methanol will be a more expensive shipping fuel than diesel, but this is an unrealistic simplification given the upcoming regulatory environment. Vessels that fail to meet Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and CII targets will only be allowed to operate for a while, and the extra cost of emitting CO2 will be expensive, particularly in the EU. All eyes will be on MEPC 80 The shipping industry needs clearer mandates and stricter regulations to make it possible for new, green fuels and technologies to be adopted. We particularly need the IMO to drive regulatory change that sets a level playing field to make global shipping decarbonization a reality instead of fragmented regulation. There is a critical window of opportunity to have our voices heard now in the lead-up to the IMO’s MEPC 80 meeting in July this year. This meeting is when the IMO has the unique opportunity to make the most critical climate decisions that will have huge consequences for shipping in 2023 and beyond. A clear and ambitious target will enable the maritime industry to invest in zero-emissions ships, fuels and technologies. While we wait for clarity and direction, the industry is charting a way forward as best it can. We are confident that methanol's momentum will continue to grow but let’s look at the fuel for all of its potential as it has more than one role to play in shipping’s pathway to decarbonizing shipping. From our perspective, the real transformation is in making methanol the smart choice for making the use and transportation of green, fuel cell-grade hydrogen a commercially viable reality today. References
- 2023 Events Calendar
We plan to attend the following events in 2023. We'd love to meet you there! February 07-09 Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar in Long Beach, CA March 07-08 Tugs, Towboats, & Barges in Mobile, AL April 24-28 Singapore Maritime Week in Singapore April 25-27 SeaAsia in Singapore May 01-04 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, TX May 23-24 TugTechnology '23 in Rotterdam, Netherlands May 31-Jun-02 Inland Marine Expo (IMX) in Nashville, TN June 05-09 NorShipping in Oslo, Norway June 20-22 Electric & Hybrid Marine in Amsterdam, Netherlands October 2023 Offshore Support Journal Conference in Singapore October 2023 Maritime Hybrid, Electric, & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference in Bergen, Norway November 07-10 EuroPortRotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands November 29-December 01 International Workboat Show in New Orleans, LA
- Element 1 Corp. and MMM ENERGY sign a strategic partnership agreement
Element 1 Corp. and MMM ENERGY (through its affiliate Methanol Reformer SL) have signed a strategic partnership agreement, that includes a technology transfer and license agreement enabling the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of Element 1’s technology regarding methanol-to-hydrogen generators. The collaboration scope is in Europe, Latam, and Australia, plus other countries. Dave Edlund (CEO of Element 1 Corp.) & Jordi Priu (CEO of MMM GROUP) Methanol-to-hydrogen generators are machines that produce hydrogen with a high purity exceeding 99,97 % using one of the most viable clean fuels to cut greenhouse gas emissions and help meet global decarbonization targets. Full carbon neutrality can be achieved by using “green methanol”. The first methanol reformers manufactured by Methanol Reformer SL will be on the market beginning July this year. Methanol Reformer SL is closing strategic partnerships with fuel cell manufacturers to provide their customers with a fully integrated solution system that enables the production of hydrogen (from 9,6 to 26 kg/h) and electricity on demand (from 150 to 230 kW) anywhere. The hydrogen generator solution is scalable, modular, and plug and play for expanded hydrogen or electrical power deployments. Dave Edlund, CEO of Element 1, said, “We are proud and delighted to be partnering with MMM ENERGY to accelerate the adoption of fuel cell technology for clean and efficient electricity generation incorporating the use of renewable fuels. Producing high purity-hydrogen economically at the point of use leverages the attractiveness of hydrogen as an energy-dense and renewable fuel, while largely mitigating the storage and transportation challenges that are preventing hydrogen from achieving widespread utilization in both stationary and mobility applications.” Jordi Priu, CEO of MMM GROUP, said “We strongly believe that Element 1’s solutions fit very well as an energy solution to many of the challenges we actually have in the world, such as Green Deal, sustainability, decarbonization, and lack of energy.” “The methanol-to-hydrogen generator technology, together with our industrial experience of more than 70 years, and our international presence, will be key for the success of the project.” “We expect to grow and expand the business very fast. The MMM ENERGY team has been participating in many exhibitions and conferences with amazing positive feedback from the market side.” “Since we met Mr. Edlund (CEO), Mr. Haugen (CFO) and the rest of Element 1’s team, we realized the great professionals and also good persons that they are. As I always say, it is mandatory to partner with good people not only with good professionals and Element 1 has both of them, we are very proud to do business together.” The opportunities regarding the hydrogen generator solutions are vast and include primary and backup power solutions for database centers, electrical generators, material handling lift trucks, telecom cellular stations, onboard solutions for railway (replacing the diesel engines), and heavy duty vehicles (trucks, buses, mining trucks). Additional applications of interest are stationary solutions to fulfill the Green Deal mandates providing charging stations for electric vehicles and hydrogen for fuel cell vehicle refueling. System attributes include low capex, electrical grid-independence, competitive energy cost, and carbon neutrality. Methanol Reformer SL is closing strategic partnerships with fuel cell manufacturers and other customers to position its products in the market and become an important player in the Green Deal and decarbonization energy transition. About MMM ENERGY MMM Group’s core business is fabricating products from metal tube for the automotive industry, working as a Tier 1 supplier for customers like BMW, Renault, Nissan, Toyota and VW, with factories located in Europe and Mexico. MMM ENERGY is the energy division from MMM Group, focusing on solutions to help meet global decarbonization targets and sustainable solutions to contribute to reducing pollution and carbon emissions. Methanol Reformer SL is the first company from MMM ENERGY. https://mmm.es/energy-systems/
- e1 Marine to build S130 hydrogen generator for Current AG to support carbon capture system
e1 Marine and Current AG will test the S Series S130 methanol to hydrogen generator to understand how it can capture heat and CO2 from the exhaust stream, boosting efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The e1 Marine S Series S130 Hydrogen Generator Oregon, 4 April 2023 – Global renewable energy company, e1 Marine, has been commissioned to build an S Series 130 methanol to hydrogen generator by Current AG for the development and evaluation of techniques to capture waste heat and CO2 from the exhaust stream created during the reforming process. If the lab-based tests are successful, the additional heat and reduced CO2 emissions will improve the overall economy and environmental footprint of the methanol to hydrogen reforming process. This knowledge will then be incorporated into existing plans to construct commercial vessels with methanol to hydrogen reformers so that hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells for generating electricity on e-vessels or hybrid vessels. The S Series S130 Hydrogen Generator is a modular system designed for ease of use on board vessels as part of a quiet, low vibration, low emission power solution for luxury boats, or as a range extender supporting battery-centric power solutions on workboats. The technology can integrate with proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as part of an efficient and highly reliable renewable power solution. Robert Schluter, Managing Director at e1 Marine, said, “Our methanol to hydrogen generators are already providing an accessible, safe and commercially viable low emission power solution for use in ports and on a range of vessels. The technology is already proving to be effective to slash total emissions, including the full removal of particulate matter, SOx and NOx. Although our generators already enable vessel owners to meet the incoming carbon reduction regulations, we are delighted that companies like Current AG are working to explore how we can help customers get closer to zero carbon emissions.” Current AG is supporting the shipping industry with solutions to accelerate shipping decarbonisation. Methanol-based hydrogen used for electric propulsion is an alternative to using methanol direct in internal combustion engines. It reduces emissions and boosts efficiency. Current AG will partner with Institutt for Energiteknikk (IFE), a leading scientific institution, for the testing which will take place in a secured laboratory environment. After an educational stay at Element 1 with two engineers from IFE, the methanol to hydrogen reformer will be sent to IFE for further testing and development. Per Sandven, Managing Director at Current AG, commented, “We recognise the potential of e1 Marine’s ground-breaking technology to chart a clear pathway to decarbonising the shipping industry. The technology dramatically cut the carbon intensity of marine power for ships in our inland waterways, at sea, or at berth. We look forward to working with e1 Marine to drive further efficiency and emissions reductions with its technology.”
- Meet the Team: Kyle Taylor
e1 Marine’s Engineering Manager, Kyle Taylor, who joined the team in September 2022, explains how his background in chemical engineering and fuel cells is now being applied to maritime operations and how innovative renewable fuel technologies can tackle shipping’s decarbonization challenge. What specifically drew you to join e1 Marine? The shipping industry is facing a once in a lifetime challenge, so having the opportunity to apply my engineering experience to develop sustainable energy and environmental solutions was one of my main motivations for joining e1 Marine. Having a varied background of over a decade working in chemical engineering and the fuel cell industry directly aligns with e1 Marine’s business, allowing me to apply my expertise, support the company’s expansion with a fresh perspective on low-carbon innovation, and progress my professional goals. What have been your personal highlights in your first months at e1 Marine? A stand-out highlight has been learning and understanding the obstacles facing the global maritime industry. This includes the unique regulatory requirements and commercial drivers that are culminating in a race against time to decarbonize. Contributing to these by helping to develop renewable energy technology that is IMO 2030 compliant is particularly rewarding. How does your role support e1 Marine in tackling key challenges for the maritime industry? My role is focused on the technical development and testing of our solution. These projects include working on megawatt methanol to fuel cell power installations, preparing for the trial of M/V Hydrogen One which is the world’s first methanol-fuelled towboat, and developing a containerized power solution that will provide green shore-based power to ports. What can we expect to see from e1 Marine in 2023? 2023 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for e1 Marine. By the end of this year, we expect to see M/V Hydrogen one approved by the US Coast Guard and on the water for sea trials. Additionally, we are making significant progress in inland and shoreside port infrastructure, and this year, plan to demonstrate a 20ft, 150kW methanol to power shipping container operating in a US port. Further hydrogen generator products are also in development that continue to push the limit for increasing hydrogen density and will help to optimize the weight and volume for the maritime industry. In the shorter term, new partnerships will enable e1 Marine to progress with more hydrogen-powered, low-carbon applications and help to provide cost-effective hydrogen at scale for the wider maritime industry. What are the biggest hurdles for the shipping industry to avoid in achieving decarbonization targets? The limited availability of existing cost-effective, low-carbon fuel options and supporting infrastructure, is a significant hurdle for the shipping industry in reaching decarbonization targets. However, methanol could be the answer. Methanol is one of the world’s most widely traded chemicals and is readily available at more than 85 of the top 100 ports worldwide. It can be produced from a variety of renewable and low-carbon sources, and offers an economical, sustainable solution to decarbonization challenges when used as a source for hydrogen production. e1 Marine’s methanol reformer, when used in conjunction with the methanol and water blend, reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared with current conventional technology. Additionally, safety is often raised as a key concern regarding low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen. However with safety at the core of everything e1 Marine does, the benefits of a methanol-based, hydrogen-dense, marine fuel negate the need for high-pressure hydrogen storage onboard a vessel. e1 Marine’s hydrogen emits no noxious gas, leaving a safe working environment for crew onboard. Where do you expect to see the industry in the next five years? The shipping industry is currently facing a period of great change as it works to reduce its environmental impact. In the next five years, I expect to see the industry using technology to unlock use of a wider variety of sustainable and low-carbon fuel options, such as hydrogen, and methanol. Alternative fuel use will increase dramatically as new technologies and initiatives make them cost-effective, and available at scale. I also expect to see a greater focus on energy efficiency, electric propulsion, fuel cells, and a growing trend of automated operations.
- e1 Marine Featured in Marine News
Robert Schluter, e1 Marine's Managing Director, is Featured in this Month's Marine News! View the issue here, or download the PDF here.
- Partnering with Green Marine to accelerate methanol-fueled newbuilds in Europe
Green Marine Engineering, an independent fully integrated transition advisory and project management firm, has signed a sales agreement with global renewable energy company, e1 Marine, for its methanol-to-hydrogen reformer technology. From 1 October 2022, Green Marine Engineering is e1 Marine’s sales representative in northern Europe. The partnership will focus on offering shipowners the benefits of e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen reformer for generating fuel for PEM fuel cells. Copenhagen-based Green Marine Engineering is an independent maritime transition advisory and project management firm that leverages its commercial, technical and operational methanol dual fuel expertise to offer turnkey methanol based maritime transition solutions. Green Marine facilitates investments in methanol powered vessels across multiple market segments such as container, bulk and tanker vessels. e1 Marine’s technology provides the industry with an additional solution for decarbonization, adding to what is a relatively small selection of methanol-enabling technologies within the industry. In tandem, Green Marine brings expanded potential for co-operation with shipowners, ports and shipyard to e1 Marine. Robert Schluter, Managing Director at e1 Marine, commented: "Collaboration, such as our agreement with Green Marine Engineering, is essential to better provide services to our customers in North Europe. The local representation will focus on enabling shipowners to meet decarbonization goals set for 2030 and beyond using methanol-reforming technology. We are ready to support first-movers – those leaders who will forge the way forward on decarbonization. Our on-demand power system has no moving parts, generates no vibration and is more future-proof than internal combustion engines due to its greater efficiency and clean power production. “We are confident that by partnering with Green Marine who not only understands the intricacies of our technology but has the broader knowledge and networks to hold meaningful conversations with ship owners in Europe, will help to accelerate uptake of this vital solution in the region." e1 Marine’s system produces zero particulates, zero NOx, zero SOx, and less CO2 than a diesel generator. In addition, when using renewable methanol, the system produces near zero greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the e1 Marine methanol-to-hydrogen generator enables shipowners to meet decarbonization targets set by the EU and International Maritime Organization (IMO) and offers significant savings in OPEX due to its high efficiency. One-third of the hydrogen produced is attributable to the addition of water which can be recycled from the PEM fuel cell exhaust. “Methanol is a safe, bio-degradable and globally available marine fuel,” says Fredrik Stubner, Co-founder and CEO of Green Marine Engineering. “We are taking action to help decarbonize the global shipping industry through innovative methanol-based solutions that align with IMO emission reduction targets for 2030/2050 and the Paris Agreement. Methanol technology is transforming shipping and delivering an economically feasible solution. We offer ship owners turn-key, methanol-based, maritime transition solutions and have in-house capabilities and support functions across the entire value chain. Green Marine Engineering believes in the power of e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen reformer technology and its capability to reduce shipping’s environmental footprint, and we welcome the opportunity to represent e1 Marine across Northern Europe.”
- e1 Marine and NAVTEK sign collaborative agreement on hydrogen powered car carriers and tugboats
Collaboration will fast-track the decarbonization and total emissions reduction of marine vessels and port operations in Europe Oregon, 1st December 2022 – Global renewable energy company e1 Marine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with naval design and engineering specialists, NAVTEK, to collaboratively develop hydrogen-powered low-carbon emission marine vessels and port applications for the European market. This includes incorporating e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen generator technology with PEM fuel cell power solutions on NAVTEK-identified marine applications. The initial project will be to develop a 120-160-meter hydrogen-powered car carrier design that requires 8-10 M.W. of propulsion power, with the focus then shifting to a methanol fuel cell powered hybrid tugboat design. As part of the agreement, which was finalised at The International Workboat Show in New Orleans, USA on November 30th, NAVTEK will be responsible for the naval architecture and overall vessel design, as well as the supply of electrical propulsion system design. NAVTEK will also manage the power system and controls integration, and the ship assembly and construction. e1 Marine will supply its methanol-to-hydrogen reformers to the vessels and provide best practices on system integration. NAVTEK is a naval architecture firm with a focus on innovative design for the decarbonization of the tugs, pilot boats, tankers, carriers, and ports sectors. The firm is part of Kiran Holdings, a maritime organization with naval architecture, shipyard, system integration, and vessel operation capabilities. e1 Marine’s technology offers a unique solution for decarbonization, adding to a limited selection of methanol-enabling technologies within the industry. The organisation, which is wholly and equally owned by the triumvirate of Element 1, Ardmore Shipping Corporation, and Maritime Partners, has a deep knowledge of methanol, hydrogen, and fuel cell technology, with insight and experience of both the inland waterways market and international shipping. Commenting on the MOU, Ferhat Acuner, General Manager and Board Member at NAVTEK said: “NAVTEK is spearheading innovation to create the next generation of vessel designs that can seamlessly reduce total emissions. Our agreement with e1 Marine is the latest in a series of collaborations that brings together specialist technologies and expertise to meet the diverse needs of fleets and port operations in their journeys to reach a zero emissions future.” Robert Schluter, Managing Director at e1 Marine added: “e1 Marine is committed to ensuring that safe, efficient, and affordable hydrogen is available at scale for the shipping industry. Collaboration is a key component in the decarbonization of the sector, and this partnership with NAVTEK will enable us to combine our expertise and open up opportunities for car carriers and tow boats to accelerate the decarbonization process.” e1 Marine’s system produces zero particulates, zero NOx, zero SOx, and less CO2 than a diesel generator. The hydrogen that e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen generator produces also meets ISO14687 (2019) purity specifications for all PEMFC applications.













