The fuel of the future?

Time:2014-07-07 Browse:57 Author:RISINGSUN
Glycerine Engine: The world’s first marine engine to be run using glycerine was demonstrated at this year’s Seawork International exhibition as part of the Glycerine for Engines and Marine Sustainability (GLEAMS) project.

During the exhibition visitors were able to see the glycerine-fueled marine engine in action operating aboard an Alicat workboat owned by Dalby Offshore.

The project’s test engine, a Cummins C44-D5 generating set was displayed as a ‘stand-alone’ system with emissions monitoring equipment providing real-time analysis of exhaust gas. By operating on a ‘dual-fuel’ system visitors were able to see the significant reduction in emission levels when the engine was switched from diesel to glycerine operation.

Additionally, the project’s second ‘Can my vessel run on this?’ workshop was held during the exhibition at the Seawork Conference. The keynote presentation ‘Shipping Visions on the Horizon’ was given by Dr Paul Gilbert from the University of Manchester who spoke of the challenges faced by the maritime sector in meeting the forthcoming emissions legislation and possible ways to mitigate its impact.

Presentations from the workshop can be downloaded from ‘GLEAMS Interest Group’ website which is free to join.

The GLEAMS project has already attracted global interest from vessel operators, engine manufacturers and bunker providers.

It is co-funded by the Technology Strategy Board and MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory with the objective to validate and certify the use of glycerine as a marine fuel. The project is being managed by Marine South East.