MAN Energy to retrofit dual-fuel methanol engines on Stena vessels

German engine maker MAN Energy Solutions will test its dual-fuel methanol engines as retrofits on several dual-fuel vessels.

PHOTO: MAN's four stroke 48/60 diesel engine. MAN Energy Solutions

MAN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swedish shipping firm Stena and Swiss methanol producer Proman to retrofit MAN’s dual-fuel engine that can operate on conventional fuel and methanol.

In the first phase of the project, MAN will conduct a feasibility study to understand the scope and limitations of retrofitting a dual-fuel engine. It will also evaluate the combustion process when methanol is used as the fuel.

The second phase would involve real-time testing wherein a vessel will be retrofitted with MAN’s dual-fuel engine. After field testing, the vessel will be handed over for commercial operations, MAN said.

Last year, Stena and Proman joined forces to explore dual-fuel retrofit engines that would enable Stena’s vessels and third-party vessels to switch to methanol.