Demand for two-stroke engines that can run on green methanol continues to grow, with around 170 dual-
fuel engines in use or on the order books for the next few years. According to Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke,
the portfolio has been expanded to include virtually the
entire engine program in order to keep up with demand:
“At Research Centre Copenhagen, we’re already conducting combustion tests with ammonia engines. It’s anticipated that the first engine will be delivered by Mitsui at the end of 2024. And we’ve already initiated strategic orders with partners in Japan, South Korea and China.” The two-stroke team is also focusing on the development of digital solutions. The Asset+ program ensures that our customers have access to the latest products, such as synchrophasing to reduce engine vibration and automatic cylinder control to optimize fuel consumption. Technology is just one part of the picture, however. In view of increasing market requirements, the entire two-stroke business is, according to Bjarne Foldager, focused on developing ‘value chain resilience’.
Methanol leads the way for four-stroke engines too
Power plant and marine customers are already asking for four-stroke engines when it comes to future fuels that will future-proof their investments. Methanol, ammonia and hydrogen carry the highest hopes. In the case of shipping, we already offer dual-fuel engines that can be converted to methanol (CH40) if required. The 21/31 and 51/60RDFM engine types will be the first intended for use with methanol only. The 32/44, 49/60 and 175D, which are in development, will follow. Alexander Knafl, Head of R&D Engineering Four-Stroke, describes the research projects in which MAN Energy Solutions is active: “In the case of ammonia (NH3), we’re taking part in the ‘AmmoniaMot’ research project, which is evaluating various combustion processes. The use of NH3 in power plant engines is also gaining interest. In addition, our power plant engines can already be operated with the admixture of 25 percent hydrogen (H2). The goal is 100 percent, of course. We’re doing research to this end together with other companies and universities as part of the HydroPoLEn project.” The volume in which the new fuels can be produced and made available on the market will be crucial.
At Research Centre Copenhagen, we’re already conducting combustion tests with ammonia engines. It’s anticipated that the first engine will be delivered by Mitsui at the end of 2024.
In the case of ammonia (NH3), we’re taking part in the ‘AmmoniaMot’ research project. With regard to hydrogen we’re doing research to this end together with other companies and universities as part of the HydroPoLEn project.
Explore more topics
Maritime shipping’s green methanol powerhouse
As the world races to decarbonize amid rising temperatures and intensifying heatwaves, the global shipping industry has struggled to wean itself off heavy fuel oil. But now in South Korea, MAN Energy Solutions and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries – Engine and Machinery Division are building large-scale engines for container ships that can run on green methanol – a key signal to the shipping industry that climate-neutral fuels are about to take over and the technologies enabling the transition are available today.
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Five technologies for aclimate-neutral future
By 2030, we want to generate most of our revenue with climate-neutral technologies. How do things currently stand?
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Large-scale heat pumps
By 2030, we want to generate most of our revenue with climate-neutral technologies. How do things currently stand?
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Hydrogen Power-to-X
By 2030, we want to generate most of our revenue with climate-neutral technologies. How do things currently stand?
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A look at the regions
MAN Energy Solutions has more than 120 locations around the world. We manage our global activities in the regions. How do our colleagues in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and Middle East Africa regions live the corporate strategy? How do they approach customers? And which products have the greatest opportunities where? This feature provides the answers.
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A wide variety of opportunities for our focus technologies
Which of our products are in particular demand in the Americas, Europe, Middle East Africa and Asia Pacific regions? And how can MAN Energy Solutions contribute to decarbonization in the various parts of the world? We asked the Heads of Region.
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Experience sharing in South Korea
In mid-September 2023, MAN Energy Solutions invited its licensees from all over the world to South Korea. The focus was not just on a mutual exchange of ideas on technical issues, but on making a joint commitment to sustainability and climate protection.
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Making our corporate strategy tangible
‘Future Fairs’ were held at all MAN Energy Solutions’ production sites in 2023 and met with great interest from colleagues.
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Making sense of digital competencies
Machines that are operated autonomously. 3D printers that open up entirely new manufacturing possibilities. And artificial intelligence that reduces workloads and thus frees up capacity.
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Benchmark 3D metal printer
European premiere: Additional new 3D printer boosts MAN ES’s additive manufacturing capacity at Oberhausen site.
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MAN revolutionizes gas production again
Following innovative subsea compression, MAN ES is once more setting a new industry standard in gas production, with semi-autonomous machine operation giving sustainability and efficiency a further boost.
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With AI we can prioritize the important stuff
AI tools like ChatGPT have been grabbing the headlines for months. MAN People asked experts from Group IT, PrimeServ Marine and Information & Cyber Security to give their assessment of this technology.
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Every little bit helps
MAN Energy Solutions has been pursuing concrete climate goals for its production sites for many years already. Christoph Zeppenfeld and Dietmar Pinkernell explain where we are now and what is planned for the period up to 2030.
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Tiny molecules with enormous potential
In this interview, hydrogen expert Professor Christopher Hebling explains why there is no getting around green hydrogen as a fuel.