(MAR) COW PATTING FISH GUTTING WOOD PULPING POWER

Biogas being bunkered by Island Crusader is produced from cow manure and waste from fish and wood processing. [Image: Lundin]

Island Offshore reports that its LNG battery-hybrid PSV Island Crusader has become the first offshore vessel on the Norwegian shelf running on biogas, resulting in immediate and significant net reductions in CO2 emissions.

Island says that the pilot project, run by Lundin Energy Norway, also proves that biogas can be used on LNG engines without any modifications at all. The engine manufacturer Bergen Engines had previously run tests on land and concluded that switch to biofuel can be used without making any modifications to the vessel.

“There is a significant potential in the oil and gas industry, but also in all other areas where LNG vessels are in use,” says Johan Mohr, head of procurement and logistics in Lundin. “With this project we can help open up a new market segment for biogas producers.”

The biogas used on Island Crusader is produced from cow manure and waste from fish and wood processing. It consists mainly of methane, however upon combustion, CO2 and water are formed. Since the raw material comes from biological material, the combustion is calculated as CO2-neutral as it enters the natural CO2 cycle. There is no net increase in the CO2 level in the atmosphere. .

“We are proud to be a partner and supplier to a forward-looking player such as Lundin,” said Island Offshore managing director Tommy Walaunet. “They show that they will take the lead and use the solutions that are available to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. We believe in a step-by-step approach to zero emissions, and this requires close and good cooperation between the actors in the value chain and with the authorities. We are confident that this will also make our vessels more attractive in the market.”

Currently the supply of biogas is insufficient for all LNG vessels to replace their fuel, however plans exist to build several production facilities in Norway. This will enable the industry to utilize resourses which currently are going to waste. In addition, new workplaces might be created. MarineLog - link - Nick Blenkey - link - more like this - link