Rostock: Fraunhofer Institute opens research centre for marine engines

The Fraunhofer Institute for Large Structures in Production Technology (Fraunhofer IGP) will be conducting research on the former site of the engine manufacturer Caterpillar in Warnemünde. The researchers at the new Hydrogen Application Centre, which will open in May 2024, are investigating how climate-damaging emissions in shipping can be reduced and how ships can be made even more sustainable as a means of transport.

Test bench motor. Image: FI-IGP

Neptun Werft bought the site last year and has now leased part of it to the institute. The institute shares the former construction hall with Neptun Werft, which intends to use its area for shipbuilding in future and also utilise the services of the Fraunhofer IPG. This will primarily involve the development of new ship fuelling systems for alternative fuels.

The focus of Fraunhofer IGP research is on converting ship engines so that they can run on alternative PtX fuels, for example ammonia and methanol. Power-to-X are electricity-based fuels and refer to the conversion of green, emission-free electricity into other storable forms of energy such as hydrogen, methane or synthetic fuels.

Schematic diagram of hydrogen production and utilisation. Image: FI-IGP

The withdrawal of Caterpillar from Rostock has created a unique opportunity, according to the project manager of the Hydrogen Research Factory MV, which also includes the Hydrogen Application Centre. Originally, the Fraunhofer IGP wanted to build a new facility on an urban site - including new engine test benches. The institute has now been able to take over two large and intact test benches and successfully integrate them into the Hydrogen Application Centre. This large-scale engine testing facility can be used to develop and test suitable engines for the sustainable industrial use of PtX fuels, particularly in maritime applications. The centre has already received numerous orders from industry, including from engine manufacturer Caterpillar (MWM brand).

As a neighbour to the Warnowwerft naval arsenal, there may also be points of contact here for future cooperation on refitting the German Navy's existing fleet.

kdk

Source: ndr