Huge congratulations to our partner, SRC Group, whose Methanol Superstorage solution has been awarded the 2025 RINA Maritime Innovation Award!

This novel solution uses SPS to convert and maximise the fuel tanks of existing vessels to greener methanol. So, it’s a proud moment for the SPS Technology team to see SRC’s innovation recognised by RINA.

But what exactly does this new fuel solution mean for daily vessel operations?

The Issue With Methanol

Methanol has fast become the maritime industry’s main alternative fuel. Compared with traditional HFO/MGO, it offers significant reductions in NOx, Sox and particulate matter emissions.

When produced from renewable sources, green methanol can reduce carbon emissions by up to 95%! But there is a drawback: lower energy density.

To achieve equivalent energy to conventional fuels, vessels require tanks that are up to 2.5 times larger, posing a significant challenge for operators.

SRC’s Methanol Superstorage Solution

SRC’s Methanol Superstorage solution directly addresses this tank issue. By replacing traditional cofferdams (which typically separate tank walls by a minimum of 600mm) with 25mm SPS panels, methanol tank volumes are improved by up to 85% – all while ensuring a compact design, lightweight construction, and chemical resistance.

But the advantages don’t end there:

The SPS tank wall design provides a robust seal for fire and leakage protection through its steel–elastomer–steel sandwich construction.
Designed for retrofit installation with minimal changes to the vessel’s general arrangement, and therefore enabling faster construction.
Suitable for newbuilds and existing vessels, including cargo, cruise, ferry, OSV and tug.
Aligns with IMO targets and reduces carbon emissions by up to 95% when using renewable methanol fuel.

With such varied benefits, it’s no wonder that SRC Group’s Methanol Superstorage solution is receiving significant attention from operators, shipyards and maritime engine manufacturers alike.

”Conventionally, the tanks used to store low-flashpoint fuels on ships feature internal and external walls that are separated by cofferdams spanning a minimum of 600mm. Methanol Superstorage meets the storage challenge by replacing this with 25mm-thick SPS technology.
SRC GroupThe Naval Architect

Recognised by Major Classes

Methanol Superstorage has already received Approval in Principal (AiP) from both Lloyd’s register and RINA.

After scooping this years RINA Maritime Innovation Award, SRC Group’s CEO, Hannes Lilp, had this to say:

”“The SRC team is truly honoured to accept RINA’s Maritime Innovation Award, which considers developments in hydrodynamics and propulsion, structures and materials from across academia and industry. Given that our focus in growing SRC over the last 25 years has been on the complex ship project work we do day to day, it is especially rewarding to be recognised for the engineering innovation that has gone into developing Methanol Superstorage.”
Hannes LilpSRC Group