Imagine a gas-powered car that leaks some unburnt fuel out of the exhaust; that's what 'methane slip' is for big ships. This work creates better fuel injectors and a special filter to catch and burn that leaked gas. It's like adding a high-tech scrub filter to a giant engine to stop harmful gases from escaping into the air.
Low-pressure dual fuel LNG engines are popular for reducing CO2 but suffer from 'methane slip,' where unburnt methane escapes. This undermines the climate benefits of switching from oil to gas.
Three main technologies: a four-stroke engine modification, a patented two-stroke LNG injection system, and a sulphur-resistant catalyst for aftertreatment.
If you are a fleet operator dealing with high methane emissions from four-stroke engines — this project developed on-engine technology that reduces slip across all engine loads. This allows your cruise or ferry ships to achieve a 40-90% reduction in methane slip.
If you are a ship owner dealing with emissions from two-stroke engines — this project developed a patented LNG injection system. This technology targets a 40-90% reduction in methane slip for large cargo vessels.
If you are a shipyard dealing with existing vessels that need to meet stricter climate rules — this project developed a sulphur-resistant catalyst system. This aftertreatment solution can be retrofitted to existing ships to oxidize methane effectively over time.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost figures for the technologies are not provided.
The technologies are being demonstrated onboard one new build and two retrofits to existing vessels, targeting TRL 7.
The project mentions the development of a patented LNG injection system for two-stroke engines.
The technology enables a GHG benefit of over 20% for LNG engines compared to oil-based engines by reducing methane slip by 40-90%.
The project period runs from 2022-06-01 to 2027-05-31, with demonstrations targeting TRL 7.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 10 industrial partners representing 77% of the 13 total members. This high industry ratio, combined with partners from 10 different countries (including FI, DE, FR, IT, and UK), suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and direct integration into the maritime supply chain rather than pure academic research.
Contact TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY in Finland
Contact us to connect with the GREEN RAY consortium for licensing and retrofit opportunities.
