EXTERNAL: Charting a Sustainable Course – Headway Technology Group Showcases their Groundbreaking Methanol Fuel Supply System

The Forum of Alternative Fuel and Propulsion Technology

Organized by Headway Technology Group (Qingdao) Co., Ltd.

The Forum of Alternative Fuel and Propulsion Technology was organized by Headway Technology Group (Qingdao) Co., Ltd. on 27th October, in Yantai, China. With the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) and the China Shipowners’ Association (CSA) as hosts, many distinguished representatives from government agencies, industrial associations, ship owners, shipyards, and naval design institutes gathered at this event to engage in in-depth discussions on the latest advancements and prospects of alternative fuels and propulsion technologies.

During the forum, Headway Technology Group showcased their groundbreaking Methanol Fuel Supply System, which was in live operation. The event garnered support from notable organizations, including the Shandong Provincial Association of the Shipbuilding Industry (SPASI), Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI), and leading universities.

Headway Technology Group took center stage at the forum by unveiling two cutting-edge decarbonization solutions: the Methanol Fuel Supply System (LFSS) and the Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization System (CCSU). Additionally, they formalized a Cooperation Agreement on Alternative Fuel Conversion with PaxOcean Engineering Zhoushan Co., Ltd and SDARI. Under this agreement, the three companies will collaborate to provide comprehensive turnkey solutions, encompassing retrofitting, installation, commissioning, and technical/after-sales support for alternative fuel sources like methanol and ammonia. This partnership is anticipated to yield mutual benefits for the entire supply chain and, most importantly, for the customer.

Naifen Tan, Deputy Secretary General of CANSI, emphasized that the global economic slowdown has introduced increased uncertainties and challenges. Furthermore, with the finalization of the “2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships”, the shipping industry has embarked on a faster journey toward decarbonization. In this context, the shipbuilding industry finds itself at a crossroads, brimming with both opportunities and challenges. There is an urgent need for a stronger commitment to digitalization and green technologies, fostering the growth of intelligent manufacturing and integrated solutions. These steps are essential in empowering a bottom-up approach to conversion. Ms. Tan commended the forum for providing a valuable platform for the industry to explore possibilities for steering the shipping sector toward a greener future.

The other two specially invited guests also addressed speeches. Ms. Ying Xin from the Department of Industry and Information Technology, and Mr. Hailong Chen from a leading university, underscored that venturing down the path of industrialization is a critical objective for achieving industrialization with distinct Chinese characteristics. They emphasized that promoting innovation serves as the cornerstone of industrialization, and sustainability should be ingrained as an integral element of this process. It was mentioned in the recent provincial ship and offshore supply chain conference, the paramount importance and concentrating efforts should be put in key areas and prioritizing major tasks aimed at fostering the exclusive, intelligent, and sustainable development of the shipping industry. Universities should fully take advantage of talents and scientific & technological innovation, cooperate with suppliers in the industry, seize the research and development opportunities of key technologies for green ships, and jointly promote the update and iteration of new energy power technologies for ships.

During the forum, Yao Yu, the Director of the Mechanical and Electrical Department at the Development Institute of Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd., delivered a keynote speech on “The Application of Methanol Propulsion Systems for Large Container Carriers.” He shared Jiangnan’s extensive expertise in the design and construction of large, low-carbon container carriers.

Dr. Enzhe Song, an expert in marine power and propulsion, representing leading Chinese universities, gave a speech titled “Development Path of Marine Propulsion.” This presentation provided a detailed introduction to the strategic requirements and potential development pathways for alternative marine fuels. Dr. Song’s speech also outlined a practical approach for Chinese shipping companies to achieve green and sustainable development tailored to their specific needs.

Kechao Lu, the Director of the Strategy & Development Department at Headway, delivered a speech titled “Headway’s Low Carbon Solutions based on the Strategy for Reduction of GHG Emissions.” This presentation fully unveiled Headway’s comprehensive solutions for low-carbon shipping, along with sharing data analytics from bench tests of the OceanGuard® LFSS.

Zhuo Zhang, Director of the Innovation Center at SDARI, introduced SDARI’s brand-new Dolphin 210,000 and 85,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel bulk carriers. He also shared insights on optimized tanker and PCTC designs.

Hongxing Li, Promotion Manager at MAN Energy Solutions, delivered a speech titled “Introduction to Two-Stroke Methanol Marine Engines and Auxiliary Systems.” This presentation provided technical specifications for MAN’s two-stroke methanol engines, highlighted major components, and discussed modular retrofitting.

In the afternoon, the speakers and audience had the opportunity to visit Headway’s alternative fuel test center

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 7.2: Proportion of total energy consumption from renewable sources
• Indicator for SDG 9.4: CO2 emissions per unit of value added
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries with integrated policies, strategies, and planning for climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
• Indicator for SDG 14.1: Marine protected areas as a percentage of territorial waters

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: shipandbunker.com

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