Safetytech Accelerator, in partnership with Carnival, Chevron, Seapeak LNG, and Shell, has selected Framergy, Xplorobot, and Sorama as the three technology providers to be evaluated by the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) to tackle the critical challenge of measuring fugitive methane emissions on ships.
Launched in September 2022 and led by Safetytech Accelerator, MAMII brings together industry leaders, technology innovators, and maritime stakeholders to advance technologies for measuring and mitigating methane emissions in the maritime sector. It currently has 23 leading shipping companies as Anchor Partners.
While methane slip—unburnt methane released during the combustion process—remains the largest source of methane emissions on ships, it is also critical to address methane leaks across the entire LNG fuel supply chain, from fuel loading to its delivery to the engine. These fugitive emissions are often unintended and short-lived, but they represent a significant environmental concern. Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating these leaks is essential to reducing the maritime sector’s overall methane footprint and achieving industry-wide decarbonization goals.
Following a challenge held in March 2024 aimed at identifying potential technologies that can detect, measure or potentially capture fugitive emissions, Safetytech Accelerator evaluated over 100 technology providers. From this pool, five companies were shortlisted, and now Framergy, Xplorobot, and Sorama have entered the evaluation phase. This phase includes feasibility studies and pilots in partnership with MAMII Anchor Partners – Carnival Cruises, Chevron, Seapeak LNG, and Shell. If successful, these solutions could be adopted across the maritime industry.
The Selected Technologies:
Xplorobot:
Xplorobot offers a handheld device and platform that accurately detects and quantifies fugitive methane emissions on ships. Using AI and computer vision, the solution captures data on equipment allowing to pinpoint leak locations and overlay real time leak rate values for a comprehensive view of the situation and addressing the issue quickly. It is designed to integrate with existing video and alerting systems without requiring specialised training.
“We are thrilled to be selected by Safetytech Accelerator for this important initiative and to collaborate with key industry players. Our technology was designed to help operators accurately detect and immediately mitigate methane emissions, making their operations more sustainable and efficient,” said Oleg Mikhailov, CEO and Co-founder of Xplorobot.
Sorama:
Sorama offers acoustic cameras designed to detect gas leaks through sound and vibration. The technology provides 3D visualization of sound fields, which may help to pinpoint the leak location directly on a screen, eliminating the need for complex analysis. The technology includes integrated AI and onboard software that can detect anomalies and classify specific sounds.
“We are excited to participate in the MAMII challenge as it provides a vital platform to showcase our innovative gas leak detection solution in hazardous zones using acoustic imaging. Methane detection on vessels is critical for reducing environmental impact and enhancing maritime safety. This challenge allows us to contribute to a sustainable future by offering precise, real-time solutions that can help the industry meet its decarbonization goals,” said Bart Vaes, VP of Sales & Marketing at Sorama.
Framergy :
Framergy has developed an innovative portfolio of adsorbents and catalysts based on coordination chemistry. One of their products, AYRSORB™ F250, with its ultra-high surface area and targeted molecule capture has the potential to detect, capture and store fugitive methane leaks by selectively filtering and concentrating methane from the surrounding air.
“Framergy is excited to have been selected by MAMII and to collaborate with Chevron in exploring how our advanced materials, AYRSORB™, can positively impact the ability to mitigate methane emissions from the maritime industry. Addressing methane emissions in sectors reliant on fossil fuels as a critical fuel or product is essential for achieving GHG reduction targets and is just as important as the focus on carbon dioxide emissions. We are proud and honoured to support MAMII’s mission and look forward to contributing to its success. ” Said CEO Jeff St Amant at Framergy
Nadia Echchihab, Head of Innovation Programmes at Safetytech Accelerator, said: “Through the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII), we are addressing the complex challenge of methane emissions in the maritime sector. By working with innovative technology providers such as Framergy, Xplorobot, and Sorama, we aim to identify practical solutions that can be adopted across the industry. These feasibility studies mark an important step toward reducing methane emissions and advancing sustainability in maritime operations”
