MAN ES to develop methanol-retrofit for medium-speed marine engines

Ship engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) is leading a German research project to convert its medium-speed four-stroke marine engines to run on methanol.

PHOTO: MAN Energy Solutions will initially retrofit its conventional-fuelled engine to run on methanol. MAN Energy Solutions

Medium-speed four-stroke engines are generally used for propulsion in smaller and medium-sized ships like cruise vessels, car and passenger ferries, and ro-ro freight carriers.

According to MAN ES, the project will "enable the retrofitting of entire ship fleets at reasonable economic and technical costs."

The three-year project, called ‘CliNeR-ECo’, is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The Technical University of Darmstadt and WTZ Roßlau gGmbh will assist with the combustion-process planning for the retrofit concept.

The first test engine with methanol-retrofit is expected to be installed on a testing platform by 2024. 

Methanol's retrofit potential 

The use of carbon-neutral fuels like methanol and ammonia is critical for the maritime sector since electrification is not feasible for long-distance shipping, said Christian Kunkel, head of combustion development, R&D four-stroke engines at MAN ES.

“Methanol is an ideal fuel for converting engines on existing ships and methanol tanks can usually be integrated into existing ship designs without too much trouble, while engine conversion costs can be kept within reasonable limits,” he added.

“Thus, with climate-neutral methanol production, the climate effect of the maritime industry can be improved very quickly while dispensing with the need for newbuilding construction. This is a crucial point as ship lifespans can last several decades in some cases and newbuildings demand a lot of resources,” Kunkel concluded.

By Konica Bhatt

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