Methane-splitting technology earns class nod for use with LNG dual-fuel engines

DNV has awarded Hycamite an AiP for the company’s concept design of a precombustion, solid-form carbon capture system that produces hydrogen from LNG on board ships using a proprietary version of thermo-catalytic decomposition technology. 

Hycamite’s technology breaks down methane, the primary component of liquefied natural gas (LNG), into hydrogen gas and solid carbon without emitting carbon dioxide. Hycamite’s process uses heat and recyclable catalysts in an oxygen-free environment with no CO2 emissions.

According to the company, the hydrogen that is created could be used as part of a fuel mix to improve combustion and engine performance or it could be used as fuel for hydrogen-powered fuel cells on board vessels. The solidified carbon produced would be stored on board and could be sold.

"Hycamite’s promising new solution with methane-splitting technology may enable the use of hydrogen on board larger LNG-powered deepsea vessels. The onboard system allows vessels to convert LNG into hydrogen during operation, providing a clean fuel source for dual-fuel engines or fuel cells. Simultaneously, the solid carbon is captured and stored on board, eliminating the need for liquid hydrogen infrastructure and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If biomethane is used as a fuel, operation of the vessel is potentially carbon negative," Hycamite said.

Hycamite chief executive Laura Rahikka called the AiP a "milestone" and "a significant step forward in sustainable shipping and low-carbon energy innovation”.

“DNV’s approval in principle highlights the viability of our methane-splitting technology and its potential for maritime applications. By enabling onboard hydrogen production from LNG and capturing carbon in solid form, our solution offers a practical alternative to liquefied hydrogen while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Rahikka said.