ClassNK grants approval in principle to SRC for Methanol Superstorage

In South Korea, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has granted approval in principle (AiP) to SRC for Methanol Superstorage, the innovative tank design concept that uses a Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology to almost double shipboard storage capacity for both, methanol and ethanol.

The ClassNK AiP confirms that Methanol Superstorage is feasible for the intended application in accordance with the Society’s “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels, Part A: Guidelines for Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuels (Edition 3.0.0)”. In contrast to traditional fuel tanks, where internal and external walls are separated by a cofferdam of at least 600 mm, (M)ethanol Superstorage features SPS technology – a solid elastomer core ‘sandwiched’ between two steel plates that is 25-millimetre-thick. The solution deliver 85% more storage capacity than a conventional tank.