Swedish trio says methanol conversion kit for diesel engines will help energy transition

A group of Swedish companies are developing a generic conversion kit for diesel engines that will enable them to run on methanol.

PHOTO: Methanol-powered pilot boat operated by the SMA. ScandiNAOS

Ship design company ScandiNAOS has partnered on the project with Chalmers University of Technology and the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA).

The conversion kit can be fitted to new and exisitng ship engines with up to 1,000 kilowatts (kW) power, the companies say, claiming it can “accelerate the transition to low emission fuel and sustainable operations for marine and industrial applications.”

The conversion kits will be available to work with some engine brands in 9-12 months and will be more widespread in 12-18 months, ScandiNAOS managing director Bengt Ramne told ENGINE.

“A quick and powerful transition towards a decarbonized transport future starts with conversion of the existing fleet,” Chalmers University of Technology professor Dr. Lucien Koopmans said.

The conversion kit will be developed and trialled onboard a small pilot boat owned and operated by the SMA over a period of 9-12 months. The trials are expected to start from the third quarter of this year.

The 24-month project has a budget of around $827,000, with the Swedish government initiative Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation (FFI) funding half of it. Meanwhile, chemical producer Proman and the Methanol Institute will be providing industrial funding for the project.

By Tuhin Roy

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