In a groundbreaking development for sustainable maritime propulsion, MAN Energy Solutions has announced the upcoming delivery of the world’s most powerful methanol-fueled two-stroke engine, pushing the boundaries of low-emission marine engineering. The MAN B&W 12G95ME-C10.5-LGIM (Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) engine is rated at an astonishing 82,440 kW at 80 rpm and is scheduled for delivery in June 2025.
The engine is currently under construction at CSSC-MES Diesel Co., Ltd. (CMD), a key Chinese licensee, and marks a significant milestone in MAN’s long-term vision of decarbonising large-scale marine transportation.
Powering the World’s Largest Container Ships
The massive 12-cylinder methanol engine is the first of a series of 12 units destined for an equally ambitious fleet of twelve 24,000 TEU container ships, among the largest in the world. These vessels are being built for two major shipowners:
- Seven vessels for Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL), currently under construction at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS)
- Five vessels for COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd., being built at Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS)
All engines will be equipped with MAN’s proprietary EGRTC (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Turbocharger Cut-out) emissions system, noted as the largest two-string EGR system ever installed on a two-stroke engine, setting a new industry benchmark for emissions control in large marine engines.
A New Era for Methanol in Maritime
Speaking about the milestone, Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, emphasized the strategic significance of methanol in the future fuel landscape:
“At MAN Energy Solutions, our vision of ‘Moving Big Things to Zero’ motivates everything we do in developing engine technology for the fuels of tomorrow. This remarkable milestone – the world’s most powerful methanol engine – is just the latest example. By harnessing the potential of methanol, we are bringing the maritime industry closer to zero-emission solutions.”
Foldager also acknowledged the vital collaboration with industry leaders such as CMD, OOCL, and COSCO Shipping, underlining the importance of partnerships in achieving global decarbonisation targets.
Christian Ludwig, Head of Two-Stroke Sales and Promotion at MAN, reinforced the commercial viability and technical maturity of methanol technology:
“As we move towards a multi-fuel future, interest in methanol has grown steadily. Between newbuild engines and retrofits, we’ve secured over 230 ME-LGIM references, which together have accumulated over 600,000 operating hours on methanol alone. With a decade in the market, our ME-LGIM technology is now mature and proven – a real enabler for shipping’s carbon transition.”
Ludwig further noted that green methanol, when produced from renewable sources, can provide carbon-neutral propulsion, adding another compelling layer to its attractiveness as a marine fuel.
About the ME-LGIM Engine
The ME-LGIM (Methanol-compatible dual-fuel) engine was developed by MAN Energy Solutions as a next-generation propulsion system capable of running on both methanol and conventional fuels. It is based on the proven ME-series platform, which already boasts approximately 8,500 units in operation globally. The engine operates on the Diesel cycle, offering excellent fuel efficiency and reliability.
Methanol carriers have successfully utilized this technology for several years, further validating its performance and durability in real-world marine environments.
A Step Toward Carbon-Neutral Shipping
With mounting regulatory and environmental pressures, methanol is rapidly gaining traction as one of the most promising alternative fuels. Its low carbon intensity, widespread availability, and ability to integrate into existing fuel infrastructure make it a frontrunner in maritime decarbonisation strategies.
By introducing the world’s most powerful methanol engine, MAN Energy Solutions is not only setting a new technical benchmark but also reinforcing its role as a leader in the global push for sustainable shipping.
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