MAN Energy Solutions plans engine retrofit for dual-fuel operation

MAN Energy Solutions has agreed to collaborate with marine technology firm Stena Teknik and methanol producer Proman to retrofit MAN 48/60 engines to make them capable of dual-fuel, diesel and methanol operation.

The primary aim of the project is to investigate methanol combustion according to the Otto combustion principle with MeOH port fuel injection due to the inherent advantages for legacy installations.

Developments on MeOH direct injection technology for newbuilds and the potential for later retrofits may also be considered here.

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Under the terms of the MoU agreement, the project will begin with a feasibility study to define the scope and limits of the project and the responsibilities of stakeholders.

After the feasibility study is completed, the second phase will involve the retrofit of the engine(s), commissioning and field testing.

The third and final phase will see the completion of field testing, and engine handover for commercial operation.

Stefan Eefting, head of PrimeServ Germany who signed the MoU on behalf of MAN Energy Solutions, said in a statement: “MAN Energy Solutions is happy to work with industry partners on decarbonising the marine segment, a sentiment that Stena and Proman happily share.

"Methanol has great potential as a future fuel and is clean, efficient and safe to work with. It offers significant greenhouse-gas reductions, and is even net-zero when produced from renewable energy sources. I’m certain that many interested parties will be watching this retrofit’s progress.”