Bale\u00e0ria tests Europe\u2019s first autonomous e-methanol system on electric ferry
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Spanish ferry operator Bale\u00e0ria will incorporate Europe\u2019s first autonomous e-methanol power generation container, manufactured by the Catalan company specializing in sustainable energy solutions Methanol Reformer, into the\u00a0electric ferry\u00a0Cap de Barbaria<\/em>. The eNomad system will be available in the coming weeks and will turn the\u00a0Cap de Barbaria<\/em>\u00a0into an experimental hydrogen laboratory, as it is the first\u00a0ferry<\/em>\u00a0in Europe to use methanol as an energy vector to produce hydrogen. The use of this system marks a new milestone in decarbonization solutions applicable to short-distance maritime transport.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Cap de Barbaria<\/em>, which has been operating between Ibiza and Formentera since 2023, was designed to integrate a hydrogen system capable of supplying a portion of the energy required by the vessel. The eNomad system from Methanol Reformer<\/a> combines electricity generation from hydrogen, produced by reforming e-methanol, with a modular, compact and autonomous design, capable of operating efficiently in port and maritime environments. Using the system on the electric\u00a0ferry<\/em>\u00a0will enable its performance to be validated in real-life operating conditions.<\/p>\n The hydrogen generated by this system will be used to power a fuel cell and produce auxiliary electricity. This electricity will support battery recharging and reduce the use of conventional generators, thereby lowering fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, Bale\u00e0ria will use this compact hydrogen production equipment to test different combinations of batteries and fuel cells in the ship\u2019s electric motor.\u00a0<\/p>\n Through this pilot project, Bale\u00e0ria will be able to assess the potential of methanol as a flexible energy vector for maritime transport, combining the advantages of an easy-to-store liquid fuel with the possibility of generating hydrogen in situ, without the need for complex large-scale supply infrastructure. In addition, the shipping company will evaluate the hydrogen\u2019s contribution to overall consumption, reducing emissions, and the scalability of the solution to other ships and routes operated by the company.<\/p>\n \u201cThis compact equipment enables us to run a small-scale green hydrogen experimental laboratory in a real operating environment and on a route as sensitive and iconic as the one linking Ibiza and Formentera\u201d, explains Javier Cervera, corporate director of Institutional Relations and the Energy Transition. \u201cToday, we are once again pioneers, testing the technologies that will make tomorrow\u2019s zero-emission navigation possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to be collaborating with Bale\u00e0ria on this project, which demonstrates how technological innovation can transform maritime mobility and contribute to a more sustainable energy future\u201d, explains Javier Torres, CEO of Methanol Reformer, thereby underpinning the company\u2019s role as a provider of innovative energy solutions that drive decarbonization and efficient maritime transport.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2023, the\u00a0Cap de Barbaria<\/em>\u00a0began operating as Spain\u2019s first electric passenger and cargo\u00a0ferry\u00a0with zero emissions during port approaches and stays, reducing CO2<\/sub> emissions by 33% compared to the vessel that had been operating previously. Through this latest milestone in the BUCEMTO project, financed by Next Generation Funds, the shipping company is reaffirming its commitment to exploring all technologies that can accelerate the decarbonization of maritime transport, combining natural gas, biofuels, electricity, hydrogen and now also methanol as a key element in the sector\u2019s energy transition. Bale\u00e0ria has 11 dual natural gas-powered vessels, three of which currently use bioLNG<\/a>. The company is also making progress towards the total electrification of certain routes with 100% electric, zero-emissions\u00a0fast ferry\u00a0projects, such as the future green corridor between Tarifa and Tangier. It should be noted that in 2024, Bale\u00e0ria reduced its carbon footprint per passenger by almost 10%.<\/p>\n The post Bale\u00e0ria tests Europe\u2019s first autonomous e-methanol system on electric ferry<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n