UK supplier aims to deliver first onboard urea generator by end-2021
The Technological and Commercial Agreement was signed in July and involves the joint development of an onboard urea production system, with the aim of delivering and installing the first system later this year. The solution is based on ARAN’s patented stationary urea production system, which has been operated successfully for three years in the power generation sector.
Drawing on ARAN’s land-based system, Fluechem and ARAN have jointly created a base case design, incorporating input from shipowners. This design can be modified to suit the different requirements of retrofits to existing urea users, new installations of urea systems, or integration into a new build project.
The system will enable users to blend urea solutions to international standards as and when they require it, as opposed to purchasing pre-mixed liquid when available. This will reduce operational risk, save costs and further reduce the impact on the environment by reducing transportation. The space requirements for the urea feedstock are also significantly lower.
The initial assessment has identified that installing an onboard urea blending system can deliver a 60% reduction in costs and 50% reduction in weight and space used onboard. This will also result in a greater cargo carrying capacity.
