Three firms sign MoU for methanol engines

Three major firms have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to retrofit boat engines to make them capable of dual-fuel, diesel and methanol operations.

The project, with MAN Energy Solutions, shipping line Stena and natural gas-derived products manufacturer Proman, will retrofit MAN 48/60 engines and ultimately make them commercially available.

The partners say they will begin with a feasibility study to define the scope and limits of the project, before deciding who will do what.

Last year Stena and Proman announced they were working together to develop a methanol retrofit and fuel-supply solution, in a clear sign of intent to explore methanol’s capabilities. 

Last month they confirmed that a second methanol-powered ship, Stena Pro Marine, had been delivered, following the first, Stena Pro Patria, a month earlier.

“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,” said Stefan Eefting, Head of MAN PrimeServ Germany.

The partners will investigate methanol consumption according to the Otto combustion principle with methanol port fuel injection.