Australian project developer Pilbara Clean Fuels (PCF) and marine fuels firm Oceania Marine Energy are partnering with classification society RINA on an innovative low-carbon LNG production and marine bunkering project in Western Australia. This partnership aims to provide a viable pathway towards achieving zero emissions in the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel at Port Hedland.
During the Asia Pacific Maritime 2024 conference and exhibition in Singapore, key figures from RINA and PCF shed light on their groundbreaking project. RINA’s technical director, Antonios Trakakis, and head of decarbonisation and innovation, Jan-Paul de Wilde, along with PCF’s managing director, Robert Malabar, shared insights on their approach and the broader landscape of maritime decarbonisation.
The collaboration focuses on developing a new dry-bulk ship design with an innovative LNG marine fuel system incorporating pre-combustion carbon removal and onboard hydrogen production. This cutting-edge solution is poised to address upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) targets effectively. The design not only offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also presents a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the maritime industry.
Furthermore, the technology implemented in the vessel design provides a clear trajectory for achieving deeper GHG emissions cuts beyond 2035. By combining low-carbon LNG with onboard hydrogen production through steam methane reforming and carbon capture, the project aligns with the IMO’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. The flexibility of the design allows for a gradual transition to incorporate blue hydrogen fuel, highlighting its long-term sustainability.
With confirmed interest from prominent industry players like Maran Dry, Angelicoussis Group, and shipyards from China and South Korea, the vessel design has garnered attention for its game-changing approach to decarbonisation. Unlike other alternative marine fuels like green methanol and ammonia, the project’s technology offers a lower safety risk while maintaining cost-efficiency and scalability for widespread adoption.
In a landscape where cost considerations play a central role in driving decarbonisation efforts, the need for a global mechanism to bridge the gap between conventional and alternative fuels emerges as a critical point of discussion. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, led by classification societies like RINA, becomes paramount in fostering innovation and implementing practical solutions. By promoting immediately available and realistic pathways to decarbonisation, these partnerships aim to drive sustainable change in the maritime sector.
As the maritime industry continues its journey towards a greener future, initiatives like the LNG-to-H2 project by PCF, Oceania Marine Energy, and RINA exemplify the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Through strategic collaborations, innovative technologies, and a shared vision for decarbonisation, the path to a more sustainable shipping industry becomes clearer and more achievable.
