MAN PrimeServ, the after-sales brand of MAN Energy Solutions, has announced plans to introduce a retrofit package for converting conventional MAN four-stroke engines to dual-fuel methanol operation starting in 2025. This new offering will allow customers to upgrade their existing MAN 48/60 engines to the latest MAN 51/60R-DF-M engine type, which includes methanol capability.
MAN Energy Solutions has been developing the conversion package for an extended period and has conducted intensive testing at its Augsburg, Germany plant since summer 2024. MAN PrimeServ aims to complete the first conversions of four-stroke engines for a pilot customer in autumn 2025, at which point the package will be available to the broader market.
Stefan Eefting, head of MAN PrimeServ Germany, stated: “Climate-neutral shipping can only be achieved with synthetic fuels, and green methanol is particularly suitable for four-stroke applications due to its favourable energy density. We have already received a significant number of retrofit enquiries from customers looking to switch to methanol. Our new methanol-retrofit package offers an economically attractive opportunity to convert older engines to a future-proof type, ensuring that their investments remain viable and deliver a compelling ROI while protecting the climate.”
Alexander Knafl, head of engineering R&D Four-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, added: “We have extensive experience in methanol operation with the MAN 51/60R-DF-M through a series of tests. Our results in combustion management and methanol injection have been promising, and we are now focusing on further optimisation to maintain consistently high engine efficiency regardless of the fuel type, whether diesel or methanol.”
From 2025, customers will be able to convert their conventional MAN 48/60 engines to the new MAN 51/60R-DF-M engines, with or without a common-rail system. These converted engines will not only have methanol capability but also offer significantly higher efficiency during diesel operation. Additionally, they will be equipped with the latest control and safety systems from MAN Energy Solutions.
Bernd Siebert, head of retrofits & upgrades at MAN PrimeServ, commented: “Converting existing engines to dual-fuel operation with synthetic fuels is crucial for achieving climate-neutral shipping. Beyond new engines, we need solutions to decarbonise the existing fleet, given that ships typically have a service life of 20 to 30 years. Retrofitting is much more efficient from an economic standpoint than installing new engines or building new ships.”
With the introduction of the methanol retrofit package, MAN PrimeServ is providing an innovative and economically viable solution for customers to future-proof their investments and contribute to the decarbonisation of the shipping industry. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of achieving climate-neutral shipping through the use of synthetic fuels like green methanol.
source : https://tanknewsinternational.com/man-primeserv-to-offer-methanol-retrofits-for-four-stroke-man-engines-from-2025/
