Towards Goal-Based Design of Tank Ventilation Outlets for Methanol Powered Ships

Abstract With its potential for significant exhaust emission reductions and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure, methanol is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonizing the maritime sector. The International Maritime Organization’s Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel provide a goal-based foundation for regulatory approval of methanol-powered ships. However, presently the applicability of the guidelines is limited due to a lack of relevant safety performance assessment tools and procedures. To partly address this issue, we present a preliminary approach for assessing the explosive zone around the ventilation outlet of a methanol fuel tank. The utility of the approach is demonstrated through a design case study. The results are benchmarked based on EN 60079-10-1.