In a significant leap forward for the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts, MAN Energy Solutions has successfully tested its ME-LGIA (Liquid Gas Injection Ammonia) engine at full load. The engine, which is undergoing rigorous trials at the company’s Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC), has now been operated at 100% engine load for the first time, marking a critical step towards its commercial market entry.
The full-scale testing, which began in November 2024, has been progressing with careful attention to safety and precision. According to Ole Pyndt Hansen, Head of Two-Stroke Research & Development at MAN Energy Solutions, the ME-LGIA engine has been run on ammonia from 25% to 100% load, validating the ammonia fuel-injection system across the full load-curve. This achievement is another key milestone in the company’s path to providing sustainable, zero-carbon fuel options for the maritime industry.
“The positive emission and performance characteristics from previous single-cylinder tests have now been confirmed in full-scale engine operation. With this successful full-load run, we’ve demonstrated that the ammonia fuel system operates as intended and that we are one step closer to achieving the market-readiness of ammonia-powered engines,” said Hansen.
Additionally, the proprietary Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, integrated within the ME-LGIA engine, was operational at all test loads, ensuring efficient treatment of exhaust gases. The company confirmed that all supply and safety systems functioned as expected during the tests, providing confidence in the engine’s operational reliability and safety.
The next phase of testing will focus on optimizing performance and emissions. Specifically, MAN Energy Solutions will continue refining the engine’s ammonia injection system, SCR systems, and control strategies to further enhance its efficiency and reduce emissions.
Christian Ludwig, Head of Global Sales & Promotion for the Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, emphasized the ME-LGIA engine’s versatility, highlighting its Power Take-Off (PTO) capability. “The ME-LGIA engine is based on the Diesel-cycle combustion principle, which makes it highly compatible with PTO. Prior to this round of testing, we successfully simulated PTO on the ammonia engine with excellent results, and we are thrilled to see that replicated in real-world conditions. We intend to offer the same level of PTO support for the ME-LGIA engine as we do with other Diesel-cycle engines in our low-speed portfolio,” Ludwig stated.
The successful operation of the ME-LGIA engine at full load marks a pivotal moment in the energy transition for the maritime industry, as it underscores the viability of ammonia as a clean, sustainable fuel. As the industry moves closer to decarbonizing operations, the testing and eventual commercial deployment of the ME-LGIA engine will play a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of alternative fuels and meeting emissions targets.
MAN Energy Solutions’ ongoing work in ammonia-powered engine development sets the stage for a future where ammonia can be a key player in the decarbonization of the maritime sector. As the tests continue, the company remains focused on ensuring that its innovations meet the stringent requirements of the maritime industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.
About MAN Energy Solutions
MAN Energy Solutions is a global leader in innovative technology and solutions for the energy industry. The company is at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies aimed at decarbonizing maritime transport, with a focus on ammonia, hydrogen, and other alternative fuels. With a commitment to advancing the energy transition, MAN Energy Solutions is driving the shift towards cleaner, more efficient solutions for the maritime, industrial, and power generation sectors.
Source MAN ES