Japanese trio gets design approval for methane oxidation system

Hitachi Zosen, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Yanmar Power Technologies have received approval in principle (AiP) for their methane oxidation catalyst system from classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), they said on March 16 in a joint statement.

The system reduces methane slip by placing a methane oxidation catalyst in an LNG fuel engine and oxidising the methane. This is the first time in the world that a methane oxidation catalyst system has received AiP, the companies said.

Hitachi Zosen and Yanmar created the system design with MOL and Namura Shipbuilding Co is set to build the actual demonstration vessel and design the system's installation. The companies are working together to conduct risk assessments and implement other measures.

The proposed system meets the requirements of the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and other regulations.

The project aims to further reduce the environmental impact of LNG fuel engines by achieving a methane slip reduction rate of more than 70% over a six-year period ending in 2026, the companies said.