US, Scottish Firms Partner on Dual Fuel Tech for European Maritime Markets

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday August 14, 2014

Massachusetts based American Power Group Corporation (APG) has announced a partnership with Marine Fuel Conversions, LLC ("MFC") whereby the two firms will study the potential for APG's Turbocharged Natural Gas dual fuel system to be commercialised in Europe for marine applications.

Glasgow, Scotland based MFC will be responsible for funding and coordinating all feasibility and beta testing activities, which are expected to run between nine to fifteen months.

MFC will be utilizing Scotland's University of Strathclyde's Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Group to lead the technical feasibility/commercialization effort.

Upon successful completion of the feasibility study and beta tests, AGP said MFC has been granted a multi-year license to sell and install APG's technology in select marine applications and in selected European countries, but did not name the specific locations.

"We believe that APG's dual fuel solution is the most cost effective and best dual fuel conversion technology in the market today. We will be working with some of the world's best minds in the area of marine engine design, modeling and engineering on this initiative," said Tom Galvin, Founder and MFC's Chief Executive Officer.

"I have successfully worked for several years with both the University of Strathclyde as well as Scottish Enterprise to develop and bring new innovative technologies to Scotland. Sir James McDonald, PhD, Dean of the University of Strathclyde is an internationally renowned energy expert with a proven record of developing ventures between academia, business and the government. He is also the Co-Chairman of Scottish Enterprise along with Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond."

Lyle Jensen, American Power Group Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are excited to be working with Tom and his team to explore the multiple opportunities for our dual fuel solution in marine applications.

"We also think the timing is right for forming this relationship as it has been recently reported that as of January 1, 2015, ships sailing on US, Canadian and European routes will be compelled to burn much cleaner and more expensive diesel fuel under new environmental regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

"North America and Northern-Europe fall within the so-called Emission Controlled Areas (ECAs) which encompass the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the English Channel and areas within 200 nautical miles of the US and Canadian shores. It has been estimated that carriers will pay up to 70% extra for the required low-sulfur diesel fuel in the ECA areas compared to current bunker oil fuels."