MAN Energy Solutions, CCS Partner for Dual-Fuel Engine Development

On February 27, 2024, at an online ceremony, MAN Energy Solutions and China Classification Society (CCS) signed a sub-agreement under a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) that the parties previously agreed to in September 2023 in Beijing. The SFA, titled “Decarbonization and Digitalization in the Maritime Industry”, is scheduled to last for five years.

The sub-agreement covers MAN Energy’s new MAN L21/31 DF-M (dual-fuel methanol) genset designed at the company’s site in Holeby, Denmark. It establishes a collaboration between the companies that will support the new engine in the Chinese market, including activities associated with the planned Type Approval Test (TAT) in China in Q4, 2024. The SFA is designed as an umbrella agreement that allows MAN Energy and CCS to add sub-agreements when required.

L21/31 DF-M engine; Image Credits: MAN Energy Solutions

“We have witnessed an increased interest in methanol-fueled ships in recent years as methanol is an important alternative fuel for greenhouse-gas-emissions reduction,” said Sun Qun, Manager, Jiangsu Plan Approval Center. “We are delighted to collaborate with MAN Energy Solutions, the leading marine-power solution provider, on this methanol dual-fuel engine to contribute to ship safety and maritime decarbonization. CCS is fully committed to working with MAN Energy Solutions to complete the approval and delivery of this type of methanol dual-fuel engine.”

The 21/31 DF-M genset is based on a port fuel-injection concept that optimizes reliability while minimizing capital-outlay time. MAN Energy used the existing foundation from the L21/31 genset for the new DF-M design, as the former has accumulated more than 55 million operating hours with thousands of units in service. The DF-M variant has a power range that spans 1,000 – 1,980 kW, making it a suitable option for most merchant vessels.

“The MAN L21/31 engine is well-established in the market having notched some 2,750 sales to date,” said Finn Fjeldhøj, Senior Manager and Site Manager, Holeby. “With the shipping market currently experiencing an increased interest in methanol as marine fuel, we feel that the introduction of this dual-fuel engine is timely. This collaboration with CCS will provide great support to the new MAN L21/31 DF-M variant upon its entry to the Chinese market.”