Methanol engine demand from bulk carriers picking up - MAN ES

MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) says it has started receiving dual-fuel methanol engine orders from bulk carriers in recent weeks.

PHOTO: MAN ES' two-stroke engine is dual-fuel and can run on methanol. MAN Energy Solutions

Japan's Mitsui E&S Machinery has won a contract to supply a dual-fuel methanol engine for a 66,000-dwt bulk carrier being built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. Mitsui will install a two-strike dual-fuel engine made by MAN ES on the vessel.

The engine can be powered by methanol, which has become one of the most popular alternative fuel choices for newbuild vessels in the past year, along with LNG and biofuels.

Methanol is being considered as a fuel with potential for low carbon emissions that ships could use to meet stricter upcoming emissions regulations. Methanol made from renewable sources is expected to reach the markets from next year, according to shipping classification society DNV.

“The interest in methanol as a fuel has surged and – at this moment in time – represents more than 30% of all our current, open pipeline projects across a broad range of vessel segments,” said Bjarne Foldager, MAN ES' head of low-speed engines.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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