While alternative fuels offer a cleaner path forward for the marine industry, ensuring safety at every stage is paramount. With the introduction of new fuels, unique challenges arise, making advanced safety technology essential for mitigating risks and maintaining safe operations onboard
New Fuels New Challenges
In the marine industry’s pursuit of more sustainable operations, alternative fuels are taking center stage. As this shift unfolds, ensuring the safety of vessels and crews becomes increasingly crucial. Consilium Safety Group offers advanced safety technology solutions specifically designed to address the unique challenges associated with the emerging fuels.
Alternative Fuels
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is increasingly adopted as an alternative marine fuel due to its lower emissions compared to traditional fuels. It contributes to cleaner air and improved environmental performance for ships. However, when assessing the entire process from extraction to combustion, the overall environmental impact of LNG may not always be favorable.
Fire and gas safety challenges
Evaporates as its temperature increases, heightening the risk of explosion.
Adaptation for fire and gas safety
Established safety protocols and equipment for LNG-fuelled ships.
Usage in the marine
Widely used, availability of LNG is growing in several ports across the world.
Key facts
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions if used correctly, as it emits less carbon dioxide when burned. But leakage can diminish its environmental benefit.
Methanol
Methanol is gaining attention in the marine industry for its emission reduction potential. While fossil-based methanol has higher CO2 emissions than diesel, green methanol, produced in a low-carbon process, shows promise. Its ease of distribution, along with a well-established network, makes methanol increasingly favored by industry players.
Fire and gas safety challenges
Methanol is relatively less hazardous compared to other fuels, but still poses health risks in case of a leak, particularly in confined spaces. Additionally, it is flammable, increasing the risk of fire.
Adaptation for fire and gas safety
Safety protocols.
Usage in the marine
Gaining momentum with industry players investing in methanol-powered ships.
Key facts
Easier to obtain compared to other alternatives. Methanol is a liquid fuel that can be produced from natural gas.
Ammonia
Ammonia has the potential to produce zero carbon emissions when combusted. Despite its benefits as a more efficient and space-saving option, ammonia comes with safety concerns due to its toxicity for humans and its potential to create a corrosive environment if leaked.
Fire and gas safety challenges
Highly toxic. Safety systems must be meticulously designed to handle leaks.
Adaptation for fire and gas safety
Enhanced gas detection and handling.
Usage in the marine
Still in the early stages with some exploratory projects. Availability is limited.
Key facts
Offers higher storage capacity. Infrastructure like dedicated ports is necessary for ammonia fuel.
Battery Power
Battery power is emerging as an alternative fuel in the marine industry. While offering zero emissions and reduced fire hazards, the risk of a thermal runaway and off-gassing poses a significant concern for battery-powered ships. However, with proper safety measures and technology, battery-powered vessels can provide a cleaner and safer option for transportation at sea.
Fire and gas safety challenges
Risk of thermal runaway if a cell fails. Gas buildup can be explosive.
Adaptation for fire and gas safety
Requires advanced ventilation systems to prevent Gas buildup.
Usage in the marine
Mainly for short routes.
Key facts
Provides a sustainable and emission free power source for ships. Batteries store electricity generated from various sources.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is gaining traction as a marine fuel due to its zero emissions and reduced fire risks. Yet, the concerns about leaks and explosions persist. With proper safety measures, hydrogen-powered vessels offer a cleaner and safer option for sea transportation. However, the production of hydrogen is energy-intensive, and green hydrogen, extracted from water by electrolysis, is not yet widely used.
Fire and gas safety challenges
Highly explosive wide flammability range.
Adaptation for fire and gas safety
Requires advanced safety systems. Larger storage spaces may be needed due to lower energy density.
Usage in the marine
Limited usage in the marine industry, with experimental projects like the hydrogen-powered Hydra in Norway. Availability is relatively low.
Key facts
Requires electricity and water for production.
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