Fuel containment and supply system for a vessel and method for operating the same

EP4770905A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-07-08SANLORENZO SPA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SANLORENZO SPA
Filing Date
2024-08-13
Publication Date
2026-07-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The installation of bi-fuel engines using methanol on recreational crafts in the 24-meter to 60-meter length category is impractical due to space constraints and safety regulations, which require a large cofferdam around methanol tanks, increasing the overall footprint and reducing passenger space.

Method used

A fuel containment and supply system that utilizes the cofferdam around methanol tanks as an additional tank for the first fuel, optimizing space by allowing the cofferdam to contain diesel fuel, thus increasing the vessel's cruising range without additional space requirements. This system includes sensors to detect methanol leaks or vapors, ensuring safety and preventing contamination of the diesel fuel.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively reduces the space required for fuel containment, increases the vessel's cruising range, and ensures compliance with safety regulations by utilizing the cofferdam as an additional diesel tank while maintaining safety measures to prevent methanol leaks and vapors from contaminating the diesel fuel.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure IB2024057857_06032025_PF_FP_ABST
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Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel containment and supply system for a vessel designed to use a first fuel and a second fuel, as well as to a method for operating the same. The system according to the invention comprises one or more tanks for the first fuel (1a, 1b) and one or more tanks for the second fuel (3a, 3b). Each tank for the second fuel (3a, 3b) is provided with a jacket (5a, 5b) defining, together with the outer surface of said tank for said second fuel, a cofferdam (7a, 7b), which is used as additional tank for the first fuel. In this way, the use of space can be optimized and the amount of first fuel on board the vessel can be increased without any additional space being required. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first fuel is diesel and the second fuel is methanol.
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