MAN Energy Solutions Announces Release Date for MAN 175DF-M Engine

MAN Energy Solutions announced the release date for its dual-fuel version of the MAN 175D high-speed engine with methanol fuel capability. The MAN 175DF-M, available by the end of 2026, will come as both newbuild and retrofit variants. MAN Energy optimized the 175DF-M for diesel-mechanical and diesel-electric propulsion to achieve a large methanol share and efficiency for various applications and load profiles. The engine received a fuel ready certificate from the DNV, allowing for the integration of the dual-fuel methanol technology.

“The MAN 175D has proven to be very competitive in terms of sustainability and efficiency with the low fuel consumption, low lube-oil consumption, and long overhaul times, minimizing its environmental footprint,” said Florian Keiler, Head of High Speed, MAN Energy Solutions. “In terms of future fuels, the next logical step, apart from being able to run on 100% biofuels, is to ensure methanol combustion.”

The 175D high-speed engine is MAN Energy’s most recent addition to the maritime sector and represents a part of the company’s goal to develop a methanol-ready engine portfolio. MAN Energy’s development of two-stroke and four-stroke engines enables the upcoming development and validation of the dual-fuel port fuel injection (PFI) technology in the 175DF-M.

MAN 175DF-M dual-fuel methanol engine; Image Credits: MAN Energy Solutions

PFI technology development targets a high methanol share across a wide power range, simultaneously achieving high cylinder outputs in its high-speed engine class. The optimization for diesel-electric multi-engine plants allows for optimal load point operation and high methanol share. When using biofuels, the MAN 175DF-M emits zero carbon footprint while maintaining full fuel flexibility.

Keiler said: “Based on numerous exchanges with customers, we came to the conclusion that the dual-fuel principle, reliability, efficiency, a high methanol share, competitive life-cycle costs and maximum achievable output were key requirements for the 175DF-M’s development. Therefore, after conscientious investigation and consideration, we settled upon the PFI combustion technology as the most favorable. Fundamental combustion development will start in 2024, leading up to a first field-test of the methanol engine in 2026. The MAN 175DF-M engine will subsequently be ready for sales release at the end of 2026.”