HAMBURG / PAPENBURG – Two major players in the maritime technology and engineering space, Everllence and MEYER RE, have announced a strategic partnership focused on advancing methanol retrofit solutions for existing vessels. This collaboration represents a significant step toward accelerating the decarbonization of the global shipping fleet.
The joint effort will initially focus on retrofitting Everllence four-stroke engines and vessel systems, enabling shipowners to transition from conventional marine fuels to methanol — a lower-carbon, scalable, and IMO-compliant alternative. Beyond engines, the cooperation is designed to tackle the complexity of full vessel conversion, including fuel systems, energy management, and integration with onboard infrastructure.
A Holistic Approach to Complex Retrofitting Challenges
The retrofit of existing vessels—particularly complex ship types like cruise liners—demands far more than a fuel or engine swap. It requires a systems-level transformation. That’s where the Everllence–MEYER RE partnership aims to make the difference.
“By concluding this Partnership Frame Agreement, we are laying the foundations for strong, trusting, and sustainable cooperation — a joint path to and for a greener future,” said Bernd Siebert, Head of Retrofit & Upgrade at Everllence. “With our methanol retrofit packages, we offer our customers an economically attractive opportunity to convert their older engines to a future-proof engine type. Together with MEYER RE, we will now develop a holistic concept for retrofitting the entire ship system.”
The partnership builds on the companies’ shared belief that true maritime transformation lies in systems integration, not isolated upgrades.
“The challenges for cruise ships are substantial,” added Henning Jongebloed, Head of Sales at MEYER RE. “Retrofitting cruise vessels is a relatively new concept, as these ships function like small cities with complex subsystems. A holistic approach is necessary — changing an engine or fuel alone is not enough. That’s why teaming up with experienced partners is crucial to ensuring that the entire system functions seamlessly, including energy production.”
Charting a Roadmap for Methanol Transition
The partnership’s objectives include developing a comprehensive methanol retrofit roadmap, with technical guidelines, safety protocols, and operational frameworks. The scope goes beyond retrofitting existing engines — the collaboration will also address:
- Fuel storage and handling systems
- Vessel-wide energy integration
- Methanol refueling infrastructure
- Compliance with evolving safety and class standards
- Crew training and onboard operations
This roadmap aims to give shipowners and operators a clear, executable pathway for adopting methanol as a marine fuel — while reducing uncertainty and project risk.
Methanol: A Scalable Solution for Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Methanol is quickly gaining momentum as a leading transitional and long-term marine fuel, offering CO₂ reductions and near-zero SOx emissions, while being compatible with existing engine platforms through retrofitting.
With a growing global infrastructure pipeline, methanol provides an immediate path to compliance with tightening IMO and EuelEU Maritime Regulations – particularly for vessels that are too young to scrap, but too old to operate on fossil fuels long-term.
Everllence and MEYER RE’s initiative provides the maritime industry with a timely, technically viable, and commercially sound solution for these vessels.
About MEYER RE
MEYER RE GmbH is the service and retrofit division of MEYER Group, a global shipbuilding pioneer with more than 200 years of experience. MEYER RE delivers modernization, refurbishment, and energy optimization solutions to shipowners worldwide. Integrating the engineering legacy of MEYER WERFT, MEYER TURKU, and NEPTUN WERFT, MEYER RE focuses on sustainable transformation of existing fleets through precision retrofits, offshore technologies, and energy-efficient maritime innovations.
About Everllence
Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions) is a global leader in decarbonization and propulsion systems for shipping, energy, and industry. Headquartered in Germany, the company’s portfolio spans advanced engine technology, climate-neutral fuel retrofits, carbon capture, hydrogen systems, and industrial heat pumps. Through its subsidiary Quest One, Everllence also supports green hydrogen production at scale. With 15,000 employees across more than 140 sites worldwide, Everllence’s service arm, Everllence PrimeServ, provides global after-sales support.
Source Everllence