SRC Honored with Prestigious Maritime Innovation Award from the Royal Institution of Naval Architects

[By: SRC Group]

SRC Group’s innovative Methanol Superstorage system has snagged the prestigious Maritime Innovation Award 2025 from The Royal Institution of Naval Architects,highlighting its role in making methanol a go-to fuel for marine applications.

Each year, RINA judges sift through submissions from both academia and industry to select the standout innovation that significantly enhances ship design, construction, and operational efficiency.

This award aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s ambitious goals to slash greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades and aim for net Zero by around 2050. A vessel powered by green methanol can cut carbon emissions by as much as 95%. However, it’s worth noting that methanol has a lower energy density compared to heavy fuel oil (HFO), meaning ship owners may need to refuel more often or increase their storage capacity by about two and a half times to match energy output.

The Methanol Superstorage solution is designed to tackle these storage challenges efficiently. It allows both existing vessels and new builds to contribute effectively towards an energy transition.

traditionally, ships store low flash-point fuels in tanks with thick walls separated by cofferdams of at least 600mm. In contrast, Methanol Superstorage employs Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology—using just 25mm thick walls made of steel surfaces bonded with an elastomer core—to maximize space without compromising safety.

This approach has already received preliminary approval from Lloyd’s Register and RINA (Registro Italiano Navale), enhancing tank capacity by approximately 85% while minimally affecting general arrangement plans.

Dishing out insights at RINA’s Annual Dinner held at De Vere Grand connaught Rooms in Covent Garden on May 22nd, Hannes Lilip, CEO of SRC Group remarked: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from RINA. It underscores our commitment not just in hydrodynamics but also in materials science.”

Lilip added: “For over two decades we’ve focused on complex ship projects; being acknowledged for our engineering breakthroughs like Methanol Superstorage is incredibly gratifying.”

The latest data from DNV’s Choice Fuels Insight indicates that methanol-powered vessels represented nearly half of all alternative fuel orders placed in April 2025. As reported earlier this year, there are currently around 60 operational ships using methanol with another estimated 340 on order.

SRC has conducted extensive research into implementing the Methanol Superstorage system across various types of vessels including cruise liners, cargo ships, ferries, tugs, offshore support crafts—and even luxury yachts!