MAN Energy, Alfa Laval to Integrate Methanol in Four-Stroke Engines

MAN Energy Solutions has signed an agreement with Alfa Laval to develop a methanol fuel-supply solution for MAN’s four-stroke engine portfolio and fuel-injection technology. Following the fuel supply development, MAN Energy’s four-stroke engine types will be capable of methanol retrofits in 2025.

“Enabling the switch to low-carbon fuel is a great way to decarbonize the maritime fleet,” said Bernd Siebert, Head of Retrofit & Upgrades, MAN Energy Solutions. “Now we want to support our customers and make methanol-running just as possible for four-stroke engines.”

A four-stroke engine design from MAN Energy Solutions; Image Credit: MAN Energy Solutions

Previously, Alfa Laval and MAN Energy partnered to decarbonize the shipping industry in 2014, during the development of a methanol solution for two-stroke marine engines. The two-stroke methanol system has accrued over 150,000 hours of operation at sea.

“Alfa Laval supports all types of customers at all stages of the fuel transition by adapting our technology to support their choice of engine and fuel,” said Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval. “We are proud to cooperate with MAN Energy Solutions in developing this new solution, which follows our long-standing relationship within two-stroke marine engines.”

Alfa Laval, a low-flashpoint fuel-supply system (LFSS) supplier, will leverage its adaptable design and methanol project experience to develop a methanol fuel-supply solution for MAN Energy’s four-stroke engines. The company will provide the LFSS, control system, fuel-valve train, and auxiliary functions, such as the purging system.

Initially, Alfa Laval will design and build a prototype at its facility in Monza, Italy, before delivering it for a methanol engine test at MAN Energy’s facilities in Augsburg, Germany in early 2024.