Category: Industry Trends

High efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and

less emissions

The upgraded thermal design with optimized flue gas

oxygen content ensures a total efficiency of 89–92%

depending on boiler load conditions, which is in aver

age 6% above the typical boilers in this capacity range.

This means less fuel consumption and lower CO2

and NOx emission levels. On a 16.000 kg/h boiler operating

5.000 hours at 75% load every year, this means USD

170.000*) saved on fuel cost annually.

*) at the fuel price of 650 USD/ton

Features & benefits

• High thermal efficiency range 89 – 92% with low fuel

consumption as a standard concept

• Thermal efficiency can be further improved up to 93 –

96 % (LHV) by adding external economizer

• The standard boiler can be fired with gas and various

fuels, like methanol and biofuels.

• Option for electrical steam generation with shore-pow

er and clean electricity

• Proven design, ready to install and easy to operate

and clean

System solutions

Alfa Laval offers total solutions. All marine accessories

for heat recovery and auxiliary boiler systems can be

supplied by Alfa Laval. Aalborg OM-TCi can operate as a

steam drum for the exhaust gas economizers onboard.

Design data

• Thermal output: up to 14 MW

• Steam capacity: 8.000 – 20.000 kg/h

• Design pressure: 10 bar(g)

Burner & Control system

The boiler will be delivered with a multi fuel-burner,

which is designed to automatically modulate according

to the system’s heat demand. The burner is designed

for a high turndown ratio with complete combustion

at low oxygen levels. To ensure optimal combustion,

pressurized air or steam is used as an atomizing media.

The burner adjusts automatically, but the operator can

switch to manual control if needed. The burner system

allows the use of various alternative fuels, as well as the

combustion of boil-off gas from gaseous fuels (GCU

functionality, gas combustion unit).

The burner and the boiler are controlled by a

specifically designed and standardized control system,

which is included in the delivery. This system consists

of all the required components for the heat recovery

system according to Alfa Laval standards, including

the main control with HMI-panel located in each

engine room. The control system enables connectivity

and intelligent data collection, and it has the capacity

for remote support. In systems with two engine

rooms, each has its own control system, but they

communicate and work seamlessly together, enabling

flexible operating modes.

Steam boiler for gas and various fuels, including

methanol and biofuels

Aalborg OM-TCi sets the new standard for fuel economy

in marine boilers. High efficiency means less fuel

consumption, thereby lower operating cost for the ship

owner and reduced emissions to our environment.

Aalborg OM-TCi is a vertical boiler with a large furnace

and an enhanced convection part. The standard boiler

can be fired with gas and various fuels, including

biofuels, methanol, and other alternative fuels.

The capacity range of Aalborg OM-TCi is 8.000–20.000

kg/h. It has been developed based on our well-proven

technology and long experience

Furnace

Aalborg OM-TCi consists of a large furnace with gas

tight membrane walls. A sufficient number of down

comers ensures safe natural circulation, and adequate

furnace dimensioning guarantees good combustion

and low emission, moderate loading and low material

stresses.

Convection part

A cylindrical shell surrounds the smoke tubes and the

water/steam space. These smoke tubes have enhanced

heat transfer features guaranteeing low exhaust gas

temperature and thus high efficiency.

A pioneering project to support decarbonization

The Alfa Laval Aalborg methanol-fired boiler was developed to

support fuel transition with a future-proof design. Unlike typical

newbuild projects, integrating the first methanol boiler required

navigating new class regulations, ensuring seamless integration

with the ship’s design, and managing tight timelines. Alfa Laval’s

experience in alternative fuel systems, particularly its pioneering

work with steam boilers for LNG, was instrumental in ensuring a

smooth and successful commissioning process.

Driving project success through collaboration and planning

This first-of-its-kind initiative required a high level of planning,

technical expertise, and collaboration among stakeholders to

ensure seamless integration of equipment and functionality. The

close cooperation between the shipyard, Alfa Laval service and

R&D team created valuable learning opportunities throughout

the process.

Given the shipyard’s demanding timeline, the commissioning

process required systematic execution and alignment with the

shipyard’s progress. Alfa Laval ensured on-time delivery of

engineering and equipment, completing the final inspection

ahead of the deadline.

“Alfa Laval’s strong coordination within the internal project team

and with the shipyard was key to the project’s timely completion.

Pre-installation preparations, including training, laid the foun

dation for a smooth installation process. During commissioning,

the collaboration between Alfa Laval’s R&D, system engineers,

software engineers, and commissioning experts allowed for

real-time problem-solving, while the commissioning team’s

cooperation with the shipyard ensured that any technical

challenges were swiftly addressed,” says Jeppe.

The successful commissioning of the Aalborg marine boiler

for methanol marks a significant achievement in the maritime

industry. As the first-ever methanol boiler installed on board a

vessel, this groundbreaking project demonstrates Alfa Laval’s

ability to undertake complex projects that require a high level of

technical expertise, planning, and close collaboration between

Alfa Laval and the shipyard.

In early 2023. Alfa Laval secured the world’s first order for

methanol dual-fuel boilers for four 16.000 TEU container ships

supporting a leading Chinese shipowner in its ambitious de

carbonization journey. By the end of 2024. methanol bunkering

was completed, and the vessel was ready for commissioning.

With the shipyard operating on a tight schedule, the boiler’s

commissioning and inspection had to be finalized by early 2025.

demanding precise time management, technical execution,

and close collaboration.

Alfa Laval is taking a pivotal role in driving

the marine industry’s transition with its

methanol-capable solutions. With the

successful commissioning of the first boiler

system for methanol, we have proven our

expertise in handling complex installations,

showcasing our ability to deliver innovative

and advanced solutions that support

shipowners in their decarbonization journey.”

Design

Easy to install, the Aalborg OL operates on oils and biofuels and

can also be configured for one alternative fuel: LNG, methanol

or ammonia.* As standard, it is delivered with a preassembled

Aalborg MF SA burner for LNG operation.** The boiler and

burner are both engineered and produced in-house to ensure

the highest reliability.

• Aalborg OL boiler:

The Aalborg OL is a top-fired, two-drum boiler with a

design pressure of 9 or 18 bar(g). Its furnace, which contains

minimal refractory, is shaped to provide optimal combustion

conditions. Membrane walls with gas-tight polygonal panels

make the furnace resistant to gas pulsations.

The boiler’s combustion section comprises straight pin

tubes with bent pins, which provide a high coefficient of heat

transfer and reduce pressure loss. Combustion heat from

the burner is distributed uniformly through the combustion

section, which ensures optimal heat transfer and reduces

damaging thermal stress inside the boiler.

• Aalborg MF SA burner:**

Built with Alfa Laval’s innovative MultiFlame (MF)

concept, the Aalborg MF SA is a steam-atomizing burner

that supports conventional fuels and gas fuels like LNG.

By pre-mixing air and gas, it reduces the production of

CO2. NOx and other emissions.

Application

The Aalborg OL is a flexible marine boiler that can support

vessel operations in multiple ways:

• Steam and hot water generation:

The Aalborg OL is primarily used to provide steam

and hot water for:– Cargo tank heating– Tank cleaning–

HVAC– Engine room consumers

• Shared steam drum:

The Aalborg OL can support one or more exhaust gas

economizers, serving as a shared steam drum for waste

heat recovery.

• LNG safety:

On vessels using LNG as fuel, the Aalborg OL can:– Support

boil-off gas (BOG) management by safely

combusting BOG that cannot be consumed by an

auxiliary engine or genset– Combust a free flow from the LNG

tank if the vessel’s compression train should fail

– Combust the mix of inert gas and methane that arises

before and after tank inspection, eliminating detours

for gas disposal

The Alfa Laval Aalborg OL is a high-capacity, fired marine

boiler for producing large amounts of steam or hot water.

Available in two design pressures, it has a top-fired design

that maximizes heat transfer and minimizes pressure loss.

Ready for the fuel transition, the OL can use oils, biofuels

and one alternative fuel of your choice. Additionally, it can

be configured as an electric hybrid. These options can be

implemented directly, or the boiler can be prepared for their

installation later.

Benefits

• Configuration for your choice of alternative fuels  – 

implemented now or later

• Hybrid and hybrid-ready options for electric operation

• Trouble-free uptime, secured through robust design

and user-friendly control

• Optimized furnace design with easy inspection access

Scope of supply

• Pressure part with insulation

• Monoblock burner – gas, light oil or gas/light oil

• Feed water system (one pump)

• On-off water level control

• Steam outlet, blow-down and safety valves

• Control panel

• Start-up/commissioning

Optional

• Stand-by feed water pump

• Automatic blow down valves

• Sample cooler

• Stack

• Feed water tank

• Blow down tank

• Chemical dosing system

• Feed water treatment