the Japanese company has created a working group to explore the concept of using the technology of methanation for the production of marine fuel with zero emission of CO2. Experts will examine the possibility of developing the supply chain of synthetic methane for use as a marine fuel, as well as to identify technical problems and develop a road map for its implementation.
Nippon Steel and JFE Steel joined the Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Line and shipbuilder Japan Marine United and Sanoyas Shipbuilding in the working group, which was formed last year. Engineering firm JGC and Hitachi Zosen, a research and consulting firm for the environment EX Research Institute and Japanese classification society ClassNK is also participating in the discussion.
In accordance with the concept of the supply chain, the carbon dioxide will be trapped in steel mills and sent to a processing plant where carbon dioxide will be combined with hydrogen to produce synthetic methane. Then the methane will be accomplished for use as a marine fuel for refueling of ships running on CNG without modification.
Nippon Steel and JFE Steel is actively working on initiatives for the decarbonization of the steel industry, striving to achieve the 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Japan, which intends to reduce in 2030 by 26% from the 2013 level. Metallurgical companies expect that the research potentially will significantly reduce the carbon dioxide content in the entire supply chain of the steel industry, which relies heavily on marine transportation of raw materials and products.
Japan Marine United and Sanoyas will be responsible for exploring the possibility of shipments of liquefied carbon dioxide from steel mills. Hitachi Zosen will study the synthesis of methane, and JGC - process of liquefaction of the synthetic methane.
