Alfa Laval passes methanol milestone

Now on its third iteration, Alfa Laval’s FCM Methanol as a reliable solution for methanol handling. Introduced in 2015, the system has reportedly the longest operational experience in the market with over 450,000 running hours at sea.

According to the Methanol Institute, over 250 new methanol-capable vessels have been ordered worldwide so far, and methanol is the most contracted alternative fuel type in 2023.

“Our journey to this point would not be possible without precious partnerships with engine designers, shipyards and great cooperation with shipowners who are precursors in adopting alternative fuels,” said Viktor Friberg, head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval.

The first vessels equipped with the system are nearing their second dry dock inspections, ably supported by Alfa Laval’s dedicated service kits for FCM maintenance. To be geographically closer to its global customer base, the production and supply chain have been expanded across Europe and recently China.

As well as newbuild orders, Alfa Laval is supporting Maersk in the industry’s first methanol refit project. The company is also collaborating with MAN ES to develop a fuel supply system for 4-stroke engines as well as partnering with WinGD to have a solution soon ready for ammonia for 2-stroke engines.