The specific challenge for waterborne transport call MG4.1 is, “To support developments that make new and existing vessels…more efficient and less polluting”. A sound way to support developments is, to demonstrate solutions that are sufficiently close to market so that ship owners will consider these in their future investment plans. Following this reasoning LeanShips will execute 8 demonstration actions that combine technologies for efficient, less polluting new/retrofitted vessels with end users’ requirements.

Ghent University WP05: Methanol Dual Fuel retrofit of high speed engine

A high speed marine diesel engine (200 kW) will be retrofitted for Dual Fuel operation (diesel/methanol). Bench tests will be performed to determine the performance of this mode of operation. Finally, pilot studies will be conducted for two vessels calculating the life cycle energy efficiency, emissions and cost.

Ghent University is project leader of Work Package 5. This means that UGENT is responsible for the research activities on the Volvo Penta D7 engine and to coordinate the project with its partners to attain the above mentioned objectives.