Bio-LNG: a stepping stone to 2050

01 Feb 2021

With the IMO’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, environmental issues are currently top of the agenda.

But let us shift our perspective for a moment: instead of cleaning polluting fuels, why not produce green and sustainable replacement fuels for the future, as part of a wider, environmentally focused business transformation? 

Biogas upgrading and biomethane liquefaction technologies allow this paradigm shift, and transforming waste into Bio-LNG - a viable fuel for land and sea transport - represents a true example of the circular economy. 

Ecospray Technologies is committed to helping clients manage their environmental footprint effectively through the development of sustainable solutions, with a focus on efficient engineering and reliable performance. 

We have a shared goal to work with shipowners to upgrade the shipping fleet and are working on a daily basis to create tailor-made technological solutions through dedicated continuous research & development. 

Ecospray Technologies, which was founded in 2005, is part of the Carnival Group and is globally recognised as a leading manufacturer of marine exhaust gas cleaning systems. 

We are perhaps less known for our commitment and contribution in the field of renewable energy. 

Substantial R&D investments have led to the development of solutions to treat gas and water emissions. For those considering LNG as marine fuel, they have also led to a range of new services along the entire supply chain, including the in-situ production and supply of green fuel and sustainable energy. 

LNG and Bio-LNG trends are now irreversible: biomethane is globally acknowledged as a key source of clean, safe and cost-efficient fuel, and aligns perfectly with the growing need to boost the circular economy including all the supply chain stakeholders. 
 
Ecospray recognised the importance of Bio-LNG early on as a key element in the sustainability and mobility challenge. Since 2014, we have been working on a process to upgrade biogas from multiple sources to biomethane, as well as on its liquefaction to Bio-LNG as a marine fuel. 

The technology developed is efficient and suitable for micro-application (1 ton/day), but also scalable for larger productions (50 tons/day and above), producing minimal emissions and a zero-carbon footprint. 

Going beyond the field of Bio-LNG towards other methods of decarbonisation, we are also developing systems to achieve carbon capture, sequestration and storage. Furthermore, we are carrying out research on the development of technologies to clean the ocean of microplastics and heavy metals. 

In light of the challenging IMO target for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, research, innovation and collaboration will be vital tools in the marine marketspace. Together with RINA, Ecospray is committed to actively driving this environmental transformation, accompanying shipowners on their journey towards 2050. 

BIOGRAPHY

Maurizio Archetti was born in Genoa and is the co-founder of Ecospray Technologies, an engineering company that specialises in the design and production of air and gas cleaning and cooling systems. He is currently President and Chief Scientist of the company. After studying mechanical engineering, Maurizio began his professional career in 1989 at the FIAT Research Centre. He has over twenty-five years’ experience in environmental business, specifically in air pollution control systems for both industrial and marine applications.