MITSUI E&S Begins Full-Scale Ammonia Testing on MAN Two-Stroke Engine

MITSUI E&S began full-scale ammonia testing for MAN Energy’s two-stroke, dual-fuel prototype ammonia engine at its Tamano Factory in Japan. The 60-bore engine, following successful testing, will be installed on a 200,000-dwt bulk carrier at Imabari Shipbuilding—part of a joint venture between K LINE, NS United and ITOCHU Corp.

“The use of ammonia, which can achieve carbon-neutral combustion when bio-fuel oil is used as pilot oil, is a milestone on the path towards decarbonization, especially in the maritime industry where reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an issue,” said Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, MAN Energy Solutions. “We have worked with MITSUI E&S on this project and have noted interest in its progress from external parties. To date, MAN Energy Solutions has secured several ammonia engine orders throughout Asia and we are confident that ammonia will comprise one of the three major alternative fuels on the market – alongside methanol and methane.”

In addition to commencing the ammonia fuel test-run for MAN’s B&W 7S60ME-LGIA engine, the test phase will verify the safety and performance of MITSUI E&S’s proprietary ammonia fuel-supply system and peripheral systems. The testing and eventual installation also features MAN Energy Solutions’ high-pressure selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for IMO Tier III compliance.

7S60ME-LGIA engine connected to testing rig; image credit: MAN Energy Solutions

“MITSUI E&S’s test builds on the results of single-cylinder ammonia-fuel tests conducted at our Research Centre Copenhagen and it is exciting to see this project draw closer to commercial fruition,” said Ole Pyndt Hansen, Head of Two-Stroke R&D, MAN Energy Solutions. “As a fuel, ammonia’s particular characteristics demand a careful approach, and we have taken precautions in reaching this point where we are comfortable handling it. We expect a market introduction of our 50-, 60-, 70- and 80-bore ME-LGIA ammonia engines by the end of 2026, but the exact timing will be subject to the respective shipbuilding schedules.”

MAN Energy Ammonia News

In late January 2025, MAN Energy Solutions achieved a milestone at its Research Center Copenhagen facility, successfully testing and running its ME-LGIA ammonia-powered engine at full, 100% load for the first time. The company installed its proprietary SCR system during full-load testing.

According to MAN Energy, its SCR system was operational during all test loads to treat exhaust gases, with supply and safety systems working appropriately. The next phase of testing will optimize performance and low-emissions capabilities, including injection, SCR systems, and control strategies.

AmmoniaMot 2

MAN Energy Solutions recently announced a significant development for its marine-based ammonia engine work: the AmmoniaMot 2 research project. With funding from the German government and extensive industry partnerships, the project’s aim is to develop a four-stroke, medium-speed, dual-fuel test engine that operates on ammonia for large-scale ship applications. This follows the design and testing of its first two-stroke ammonia engine.

Christian Kunkel, Head of Combustion Development and Four-Stroke R&D at MAN Energy, provided more details on the ammonia project: “An advantage for AmmoniaMot 2 is to have the two-stroke engine development in parallel to the project. Of course, we are using synergies between two-stroke and four-stroke in both directions with a deep technological exchange. As far as ammonia is concerned, we can copy and adapt some of the technical concepts and ideas from two-stroke engine development, mainly in the fields of safety concepts, compatibility of materials, and lube oil.”