Uwira manufactures double-walled piping systems for alternative fuels, such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.

Uwira, an innovative Finnish pipeline manufacturer, is charged with delivering the demanding methanol pipeline solutions to ships under construction. Uwira’s modular solutions use double-walled pipes that guarantee safe transfer of hazardous fuels, in this case, methanol.

“While the solution features double-walled pipes, it’s not the same solution that carries LNG. With LNG, you don’t need high pressure in the pipes.”

SAFETY COMES FIRST

The methanol solution, however, requires high pressure to work – which, in turn, requires exacting standards for the onboard pipes that typically run for 30–50 meters to each engine.

“UWIRA have developed a pipeline solution to deal with high pressure and pressurefluctuations that come with the technology.

Uwira’s double-walled pipes can withstand pressures of up to 1,800 bar. The company’s double-walled pipes are made of materials such as steel, stainless steel, Duplex, and Super-Duplex Stainless Steel.

UWIRA can handle methanol pipeline design and prefabrication as well as installation for new build or conversion projects. Especially for conversion projects UWIRA offer 3D laser scanning for optimal pipe routing and fast installation.

MASTERING METHANOL

Uwira was already involved in delivering modular solutions made of double-walled pipes to M/S Stena Germanica, which uses methanol as fuel. The vessel – built in Poland – only came to existence after a lot of groundbreaking planning involving UWIRA. Classification society Lloyd’s was also involved in this project.

During the years that followed, the methanol technology onboard Stena Germanica proved reliable again and again –

but it has taken a long time for the technology to catch on.

Presently, however, several newbuild cruise line ships in Europe are featured for methanol-readiness.  UWIRA is happy to see the technology spread in Europe.

GREEN LIGHT FOR GREEN TRANSITION

Going forward, Uwira continues to play a vital role in the green transition by supplying pipeline solutions, modules, and pressure vessels for new, more environmentally friendly fuels. UWIRA believes that finding sustainable solutions is a major issue for the entire industry.

Methanol is only one part of Uwira’s sustainable arsenal: ammonia and hydrogen are also in play. In fact, Uwira is involved in a marine hydrogen fuel cell system project, which enables vessels to sustain zero-emission operations for longer periods of time than would be possible using battery power alone.

UWIRA is participating in this transition and making way for a more sustainable future.

HYDROGEN PIPELINE SOLUTION

The hydrogen fuel cell system is ideal for zero-emission operations onboard ships that go on routes where hydrogen supply is available. For customers in this segment UWIRA is supplying double walled hydrogen pipelines.

Contact:

Samuli Kuusisto, Sales
+358 400 476 336
samuli.kuusisto@uwira.fi

sales@uwira.fi