Methanol plays an important role in the green transition, as do advanced vent and valve systems for methanol tanks. A series of high-velocity methanol valves produced in Denmark have now been certified for the first time. This offers shipbuilder greater flexibility when building dual-fuel systems with long vent-pipes.

Valve systems are essential for controlling pressure and vacuum, ensuring both fire and environmental safety as well as operational efficiency. However, these systems are subject to stringent certification requirements.

Setting new standards for dual-fuel ships

“The IMO 1621 regulations and other regulatory bodies are setting the standards for building dual-fuel ships. Until now, shipbuilders and owners have struggled to plan new builds according to the highest standards, due to a scarcity of suppliers who could demonstrate compliance. Fortunately, this situation is changing,” says Sofia Alexandra Grave, Research and Development Manager at Pres-Vac Engineering, Denmark.

Certification success and industry impact

Pres-Vac, based in Denmark, has recently received approval for their high-velocity valves for methanol ships under the IMO 1621 standard, ISO 15364:2021, ISO 16852:2016 and IMO MSC Circ. 677. The updated certification allows these valves to be used on longer pipes, up to 128 meters for DN 65 and even more meters for larger pipe sizes. This expanded range provides greater flexibility in various applications.

“At the moment, Pres-Vac valves are the only ones on the market that comply with such rigorous regulations. Our goal is not merely to meet the existing and forthcoming certifications but also to offer products that far exceed the minimum requirements. This ensures that our valves will be dependable for shipbuilders for a long time,” says Harshith Venkatramana, a Research & Development Engineer at Pres-Vac.

Technological advancements in valve systems

The company’s latest products, the PV-ECO and PV-VOC valves, feature significant technological advancements. The PV-ECO model, designed for chemical products and optimised for lengthy pipelines, and the PV-VOC, ideal for crude oil applications, both incorporate enhanced flow control and breather functionality. These features help to minimise gas emissions and ensure efficient operation. Notably, these valves operate mechanically, providing an additional layer of safety without the need for electronic controls.

Engaging the industry in transformation

“The challenge is to engage shipowners in these discussions,” continued Grave. “Shipyards are compelled to concentrate on compliance and cost for the entire new build vessel. However, with the shift to dual-fuel, the total cost of ownership and the complex, rapidly expanding regulatory environment demand a new mindset within the industry.”

In response to the maritime industry’s shift towards low-carbon fuels such as methanol, Pres-Vac has not only developed products that enhance safety and efficiency but also actively participated in shaping industry standards. The engineers emphasise the role of their innovations in helping shipowners comply with future regulations and adopt greener technologies, highlighting that their systems contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, a crucial factor as the industry progresses towards stricter environmental standards. 

Sofia Alexandra Grave adds:”Equipped with a specially shaped resilient seal, these valves boast very low leakage rates. Moreover, our valves are nearly noiseless compared to those of our competitors.”

Customisable solutions for diverse needs

Understanding that the needs of each ship can vary, Pres-Vac offers highly customisable solutions that can be tailored to specific requirements, from valve size to operational pressure ranges. This flexibility allows shipbuilders and owners to implement systems that precisely fit their operational needs, thereby enhancing both safety and efficiency.