Alfa Laval has secured its first order for the FCM Ammonia fuel supply system, marking its path toward creating sustainable shipping solutions. The firm will deliver the ammonia-fueled fuel system to seven Tianjin Southwest Maritime-owned dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carriers.

A Step Towards Low-Carbon Shipping Solutions

With global shipping projected to nearly double by 2050, the shipping industry aims to cut carbon emissions. Low-carbon fuels hold a critical function in achieving worldwide decarbonization goals. Ammonia has gained attention as a promising alternative due to its low-carbon profile and growing demand.

Alfa Laval, the recognized technology pioneer in the shipping sector, is creating integrated fuel solutions to accelerate the industry’s shift towards cleaner fuels. The FCM Ammonia system is also Alfa Laval’s newest innovative solution to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Also read: MAN Energy Solutions to deliver first-ever ammonia-fuelled ship engine

Alfa Laval’s Commitment to Decarbonizing the Maritime Sector

Peter Sahlen, Head of Marine Separation, Fuel Supply System & Heat Transfer at Alfa Laval, said, “Through research, product development, and strategic partnerships, we are building the solutions needed for a safe and efficient transition to low-carbon alternative fuels.”

He added, “Our deep experience with fuels like methanol and LPG has given us a head start with ammonia, and this first contract validates our commitment to driving decarbonization in shipping with reliable and innovative solutions.”

The ammonia fuel supply system will be installed at China’s CSSC Huangpu Wenchong shipyard. In addition, the initial phase of the installation will be on three 25,000 cubic meter LPG/ammonia carriers and then four more 41,000 cubic meter carriers. Furthermore, Alfa Laval will supply the first FCM Ammonia unit in 2025, a major milestone in the quest for net-zero emissions in the maritime industry.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced the signing of a 1.7 billion Polish zloty (€405 million) loan agreement with Orlen’s subsidiary, Energa. As the third and last tranche of a broader 3.5-billion-zloty loan to Orlen, the money is intended for the development and improvement of Poland’s electricity grid. The financing will help modernize the infrastructure in central and northern Poland, supporting the long-term energy goals of both Poland and the European Union.

EIB Financing Supports Poland’s Energy Network

This new loan will enable Energa Operator, Orlen’s electricity distribution arm, to replace more than 4,600 kilometers of the existing grid and construct another 2,300 kilometers of power lines in Poland. This build-out will serve about 25,000 new customers on the grid. The loan will help modernize the network’s metering infrastructure, making it more efficient and better prepared for the future.

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwinska said,”Our support to Orlen is a strategic investment in the sustainable and long-term growth of the Polish economy. This underlines our strong commitment to a genuine and fair green transition, development of modern energy infrastructure and energy security for Poland and the European Union”

Also read: EIB and Orano Sign €400 Million Loan Agreement to Expand Uranium Enrichment Facility

Backing EU’s Green Transition Aims

The EIB financing also aligns with the European Commission’s RePowerEU plan to curb reliance on foreign energy, fast-track adoption of clean sources such as solar and wind power, and be climate neutral by 2050. The project aligns with Poland’s desire to shift its electricity grid to become net-zero, further incorporating it into the EU’s large-scale sustainability program.

With the EIB loan backing, Energa Operator will embark on a project to construct Poland’s national grid through 11,000 kilometers of new power lines and 7,000 kilometers of underground cable by 2035. The upgrades will bring an additional 350,000 customers and connect 9 gigawatts of renewable energy sources into the grid. The expansion will increase Poland’s electricity grid installed capacity by more than 16 percent, making the grid more stable and reliable.