Composite silos for SodaFlexx

M.I.P. Group supplied bespoke composite silos for the SodaFlexx Integrated Dry Exhaust Gas Cleaning System installed on the “Bontrup Amsterdam”, a 65,402 DWT bulk carrier. The installation took place in February 2023 in the Port of Amsterdam and involved the supply of two glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) silos, each 12 metres high and 2 metres in diameter as part of the SodaFlexx EGCS absorbent storage.

SodaFlexx is an innovator in equipment for the maritime industry and has developed a concept to reduce harmful emissions from ships using sodium bicarbonate powder, also known as bicarbonate of soda. The technology has been adapted from onshore power stations, where sulphur is chemically absorbed and converted into sodium sulphate, a highly stable and harmless salt. The system has been certified by the leading ship classification societies and meets high quality standards. It enables ships to use High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) whilst complying with emission requirements.

M.I.P. composite storage silos offer the following advantages over traditional metal structures:

• Lightweight
• Flexible shapes
• Corrosion-resistant 
• Rapid manufacturing
• Low thermal conductivity
• No condensation

M.I.P. silos are made from an advanced composite and possess a number of properties that offer clear advantages over traditional materials such as aluminium, mild steel or stainless steel. It is around 60–75% lighter than steel and many times stronger. The glass-to-resin ratio results in a lightweight material that has extremely high stiffness and tensile strength and can withstand high bulk densities.

“To optimise the stowage conditions and system weight for this installation, we opted to use a GRP structure instead of steel. The main advantages of GRP over steel are the weight savings, which are crucial when adding extra equipment to an existing vessel for stability reasons. Secondly, and not least, the GRP storage solution offers superior storage conditions compared to steel storage silos, as the thermal insulation value of GRP is much higher than that of steel. This higher insulation value ensures stable conditions for the absorbent material and prevents condensation. Last but certainly not least, thanks to the flexibility and short production lead times that M.I.P. was able to offer, a GRP structure was preferred for our technology”, says Sander Castel, Chief Technical Officer at SodaFlexx.

M.I.P. is a supplier of bespoke storage systems made from composite materials (glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, GRP). We offer comprehensive solutions for the storage of complex liquids and moisture-sensitive solids. We are delighted to have completed this project with SodaFlexx as part of the long-standing collaboration between our companies. We focus on providing sustainable solutions for many industries, and collaboration with the shipping industry is a very important part of our business.