Norwegian Cruise Line orders methanol engine retrofit
A cruise ship will be retrofitted with a dual-fuel engine that can run on methanol and conventional marine fuels.
PHOTO: (From left to right) Bernd Siebert, MAN's head of retrofit & upgrades, and vice president energy assets and fleet of Norwegian Cruise Line Giovanni Canu signing the agreement. MAN Energy Solutions
MAN Energy Solutions has built the engine and will install it on the cruise ship, which will then undergo thorough field testing before being handed over to commercial Norwegian Cruise Line operators.
MAN signed a similar agreement in August with Swedish shipping firm Stena and Swiss methanol producer Proman, in which MAN’s dual-fuel engine will be retrofitted on several Stena vessels.
Several market participants think that part of the answer to the net zero carbon emissions challenge lies in retrofitting existing fleets to run on alternative fuels such as methanol.
Many shipowners have opted for quick fix solutions such as rotor sails, biofuels and shore power options to curb some emissions. Others have explored engine retrofit options for methanol and other low- and zero-carbon fuels – either as dual-fuel or as conversion-ready.
Shipping classification society DNV recently said methanol is currently more technologically mature and available in ports than other alternative fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.
By Nithin Chandran
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