Methanol conversion begins on research vessel

Two of the vessel’s original four engines have been adapted for methanol in case the vessel has to work in regions where the fuel is not available, says Fugro.

The work is being done as part of Fugro’s commitment to have net-zero operations by 2035.

As well as wanting to be able to deliver cleaner operations, a lot of the work being done is to answer demand from clients themselves, who are requesting certain emissions standards when they contract vessels.

“There is an increased focus on sustainability in tenders for the offshore market, and as such for Fugro’s clients,” the firm says. “By embracing green methanol as a fuel, our clients are offered the significant opportunity to align their projects with environmental responsibility while maintaining operational efficiency.”

“The methanol conversion of the Fugro Pioneer is not only a pivotal move in diminishing our vessel emissions as part of our Net Zero 2035 journey, but it also stimulates the green methanol market,” said Barbara Geelen, CFO Fugro. “We will continue to invest in innovative solutions that not only help our clients, but also support us in reaching our company objectives.”

Pioneer has been converted in the Netherlands are part of a Fugro-led consortium called MENENS (Methanol as Energy Step Towards Emission-free Dutch Shipping).

Electrical systems also need to be changed significantly, which has been done by Alewijnse, the marine electrical engineering firm that converted the Samuel de Champlain dredging vessel to a dual-fuel vessel running on MGO and LNG. It has also assisted in converting Windcat vessels to run on diesel and hydrogen. 

Fugro Pioneer is a specialist survey and research vessel built for collecting geo-data about the seabed in preparation for the construction of offshore wind farms. After the installation of the new methanol engines, the ship will be deployed on projects in European waters.