Uwira and Elomatic’s Advanced 3D Modelling and Methanol Fuel Solutions in Ship Retrofitting
As the maritime industry adapts to support the continued transition to more sustainable practices, alternative low-carbon fuels have become the preeminent solution for achieving industrywide decarbonization. However, many barriers exist that inhibit the adoption of alternative fuels at the required scale to meet IMO 2050 targets. From fragmented supply chains and underdeveloped infrastructure to questions over supply, safety regulation and real concerns on the exponentially higher price of future fuels. Progress will not be linear, in an ever-evolving landscape.
Methanol is still currently seen as a front running mature and viable option for future fuel integration; a perspective that is compounded by Ocean Network Express’ (ONE) recent order for 10 13,000-teu methanol-fueled box ships, which further supplements the order for 12 vessels that it made in January of this year.
To support the acceleration and uptake of methanol adoption on vessels, Elomatic has combined its expertise in ship design and engineering with Uwira, one of the most experienced manufacturers of precision prefabricated pipe components, double-walled pipes, and pressure vessels. By utilizing advanced laser scanning and 3D modeling techniques, Elomatic can provide digital mapping of a vessel’s architecture, to facilitate the installation of methanol piping on retrofit projects.
Laser scanning is a method which produces 3D point clouds – a set of data points in a 3D coordinated system which establishes a 360-degree view of the surveyed area – to provide more detailed insight into relevant design work that is required. This process is crucial when it comes to retrofits, as it provides accurate and detailed design data that will be used by the entire project team during the course of the retrofit.
The partnership between Uwira and Elomatic dates back to 2011, with the world’s first heavy fuel oil to LNG conversion project on a vessel, which took place on the tanker ship, Bit Viking. This set the stage for further collaborations on projects such as the methanol conversion of M/S Stena Germanica, in 2015. Today, as methanol emerges as a leading alternative fuel option, Uwira and Elomatic continue to establish themselves as industry-leaders in supporting ship owners and operators to adapt their vessels to accommodate alternative fuels.
The latest laser scanning project on the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII highlights the effectiveness of this collaboration. These sister ships required precise and efficient design solutions for the installation of double-walled methanol piping systems.
Niko Kuosmanen, an experienced surveying engineer at Elomatic, traveled to Ireland to provide consultancy support, as well as conduct the 3D scans onboard the Stena Superfast VII & VIII; capturing high-resolution data that would inform the entire design process of the retrofit. This method ensured that all team members had access to unified data, enabling and ensuring that every person was working to the same coordinated system. This data allowed Elomatic to identify the most suitable piping routes for the installation, as well as develop a rigid supporting system that would be required, for both the inner and outer piping.
Due to the high pressure that is involved when operating with methanol, it is vital that any potential vibrations emitted from the double-walled piping remains at the right frequency so that it does not impact other surrounding equipment. In the case of retrofits, space is often limited, so piping routes from the pumping station to the engine have to be coordinated with a high degree of accuracy and in such a way as to ensure the natural frequencies surrounding the piping is not impacted by potential fluctuations in pressure.
Once these plans were in place, Uwira could begin manufacturing the prefabrication pipe spools with the benefit of detailed insight into the space that is available to accommodate the double-walled piping. The detailed scans had the benefit of improving cost efficiencies and avoiding unnecessary project delays in both the manufacturing and installation phase.
Uwira’s expertise in methanol piping is vital in supporting ship owners and operators with integrating methanol on their vessels. Uwira’s ability to design and install methanol fuel supply system, including feed and return lines, is industry leading. This was demonstrated in the recent Stena Superfast VII & VIII project, which showed their capability to retrofit existing vessels efficiently, providing a roadmap by which future vessels may adopt methanol as a marine fuel.
The retrofit process, from initial laser scanning to final installation, was streamlined to maximize efficiency. After scanning, it took only two weeks to establish the 3D cloud data and finalize the design. Manufacturing the spools and delivering them on-site was coordinated carefully, ensuring the installation phase proceeded smoothly, typically within seven weeks.
A key consideration when dealing with high-pressure piping for alternative fuels – like methanol – is safety, as the increased risk of fire onboard could be significant. Elomatic’s data design plans provided a comprehensive level of detail that gave Uwira the assurance to manufacture the double-walled piping systems with the degree of precision required for complex retrofits. Elomatic also employed technical calculations to assess vibration analysis, as part of the design, which is critical in the support of the piping system to ensure that the installed piping does not disrupt the surrounding environment.
The static and dynamic structural strength of double-walled pressure pipes, as well as oil pipes, has been analyzed in accordance with the relevant maritime and pressure piping standards. The dynamic analysis ensures minimal vibration from engines, high-pressure pumps, and other load sources including ship accelerations and thermal expansions. These calculations have been iterated within optimum design and placement of the pipe system at the ship’s hull.
Elomatic and Uwira’s integrated approach – combining advanced 3D scanning alongside precise design, and installation – demonstrates the potential for efficient, cost-effective retrofits. This capability is crucial as the industry shifts towards cleaner fuels like methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia.
Uwira and Elomatic’s partnership supports the maritime industry’s green transition and is a prime example of how cross-sector collaborations between industry leaders is necessary in accelerating the adoption of low-carbon fuels in new builds as well as retrofit projects. By utilizing the latest technological innovations to improve cost and time efficiencies, these projects provide a blueprint for the industry that will ultimately unlock the true potential of alternative fuels within the maritime sector.
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Antti Yrjänäinen
Project & Sales Manager, Marine & Offshore Energy
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Elomatic & Uwira: Leading the Way in Methanol Piping Solutions for Ship Retrofitting
As the maritime industry faces the challenge of decarbonization, the adoption of alternative low-carbon fuels is essential. Methanol has emerged as a leading option due to its maturity and viability. To support this transition, Elomatic and Uwira have joined forces, leveraging their expertise in advanced 3D modeling and precision piping to facilitate methanol adoption in ship retrofitting projects.
Decarbonization
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