World’s First Methanol – Powered Pilot Boat Launched

The Swedish Maritime Administration launches the world’s first fully methanol-powered pilot boat on 14th December (Tuesday). This is one of the plant’s existing pilot boats that has now been rebuilt to be tested with the new fuel. The work forms part of the Swedish Maritime Administration’s conversion work towards a fossil-free fleet of vessels.

– The pilot boat will be the first of its kind in the world. In general, we in Sweden are far ahead when it comes to the area of ​​maritime research and innovation. It is therefore no coincidence that this particular project is now being implemented in this country, says Fredrik Backman, shipping director at the Swedish Maritime Administration.

The work of rebuilding one of the Swedish Maritime Administration’s pilot boats from having previously been powered by diesel to now being powered by methanol is part of a larger EU initiative, and will continue until 2024. At the same time as there are other projects with various forms of the methanol-powered ship is the Swedish Maritime Administration’s pilot boat of the first of its kind in the world. The boat will now be part of the agency’s regular pilot operations to evaluate the technology, but also ensure both its capacity and capability.

Image Credits: sjofartsverket.se

– Our redesigned pilot boat is an important piece of the puzzle in our larger and broader transition work towards a completely fossil-free boat and ship fleet. The pilot boat will now be put to the test, something that happens through many hours of tough and continuous testing. Tests that will then be evaluated and analyzed, says Fredrik Backman.

The Swedish Maritime Administration has previously been commissioned by the government to analyze and make proposals on how the agency’s boat and ship fleet can become fossil-free. A mission based on the government’s national climate goals, which include a reduction of at least 70 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from domestic transport by 2030.

Follow the launch of the methanol-powered pilot boat directly in the video player below, starting at 10.00 on 14 December.

Reference: sjofartsverket.se

World’s First Methanol – Powered Pilot Boat Launched appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News