News,
Maritime Power-to-X Project Update at Action Renewables Network Event
Event Overview
The Action Renewables Network event on Decarbonising Transport took place onboard HMS Caroline, a First World War light cruiser now serving as a museum and events venue in Belfast. This historic maritime setting provided a fitting backdrop for discussions about the future of sustainable shipping and the deployment of renewable fuels in the difficult-to-decarbonise maritime sector.
The Circular CO₂ Economy
The NI/GB Green Shipping Corridor project, funded through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), utilises patent-pending Power-to-X technology to produce green methanol from renewable energy. The project establishes a circular CO₂ economy by capturing CO₂ from onboard reformers and returning it to the methanol synthesis plant, eliminating the need for external CO₂ sources.
Project Technology
The project utilises a 150MWe electrolyser powered by curtailed wind energy to produce green hydrogen. This green hydrogen is combined with captured CO₂ to synthesise green methanol. The green methanol is then reformed back into hydrogen onboard vessels for fuel cell propulsion, with the CO₂ from the reformer captured and returned to the synthesis plant in the same ISO tank containers used for methanol delivery.
Key Innovations
- Circular CO₂ Economy: CO₂ captured from onboard reformers is returned to the synthesis plant, eliminating the need for external CO₂ sources
- True-Zero Emissions: The system achieves true-zero emissions without reliance on bio-derived or direct air captured CO₂, or carbon offsetting
- Flexible Infrastructure: ISO tank containers enable bunkering without additional port infrastructure
- Scalable Design: The technology is designed to scale to meet 2050 Net Zero targets
Project Partners
The Maritime Power-to-X project brings together a consortium of leading organisations: B9 Energy Storage as the technology developer, along with DFDS Seaways, DFDS Logistics, JG Maritime Solutions, Larne Harbour, Mutual Energy, and Teesside University Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre. This collaboration combines expertise in maritime operations, energy infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and research.
Project Status
The project is currently in the feasibility study and pre-deployment trials phase. The performance of the technology is being simulated using techno-economic modelling of the Green Shipping Corridor, which includes details of the latest ro-ro freight ferry design from partner DFDS Seaways, Europe's largest ro-ro freight ferry operator. Pre-deployment trials are taking place at the Port of Larne, also a project partner.
Industry Recognition
Action Renewables commented on David Surplus OBE's contribution: "David your speech was inspiring and insightful as always. Your leadership in driving conversation around decarbonisation and maritime net-zero is powerful and timely. Thank you for your contribution."
B9 Energy's Maritime Expertise
B9 Energy is at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation through the Maritime Power-to-X project. Our expertise includes:
- Green Methanol Production: Developing and deploying green methanol production facilities
- Power-to-X Technology: Patent-pending technology for converting renewable energy into sustainable maritime fuels
- Circular Economy Solutions: Creating closed-loop systems that eliminate waste and emissions
- Maritime Fuel Infrastructure: Designing systems that integrate with existing port infrastructure
Looking Forward
The Action Renewables Network event highlighted the critical importance of renewable fuels for maritime transport. As the sector works towards Net Zero targets, solutions like the Maritime Power-to-X project with circular CO₂ economy demonstrate how innovative technology can address decarbonisation challenges while maintaining operational viability.
B9 Energy welcomes collaboration with organisations interested in maritime decarbonisation and Power-to-X solutions. Whether you're a shipping company, port authority, or energy provider, we're committed to working together towards sustainable maritime transport.
Contact us to learn more about the Maritime Power-to-X project and how B9 Energy can support your decarbonisation goals.
Stay informed about the latest developments in maritime decarbonisation and Power-to-X technologies by following B9 Energy on LinkedIn.
Talk to B9 Energy
Power-to-X, hydrogen, landfill gas, food waste or consultancy: tell us what you're planning.