MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) has clinched a significant deal marking a milestone in maritime propulsion. They’ve secured First Propulsion order for three MAN 6L21/31DF-M GenSets (dual Fuel-Methanol), specially designed to run on methanol, for a cutting-edge chemical bunker tanker project. This vessel, boasting a capacity of 7,990 deadweight tons and classified as an IMO Type II tanker, will be powered by these innovative dual-fuel engines.
What’s fascinating about this setup is how it integrates diesel-electric propulsion. the GenSets will work alongside electric motors to drive twin fixed-pitch propellers via gearboxes, ensuring efficient and powerful movement through the water. To optimize this system, there’ll also be an onboard battery-storage setup.
The dual-fuel engines will form part of a diesel-electric propulsion system on board the vessel with electrical motors driving twin fixed-pitch propellers via gearboxes; an onboard battery-storage system will optimise the use of the dual-fuelled generators. MAN Energy Solutions licensee, CMP – an engine-manufacturing division of Chinese State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) – will build the engines in China and the vessel is scheduled for delivery during Q4, 2025.
The newbuild will operate at the port of Singapore under charter to deliver marine fuels. The port itself is reported as laying plans for the steady supply of methanol from 2025 onwards in order to meet future, anticipated bunkering requirements for methanol-fuelled vessels.
Bjarne Foldager – Country Manager, Denmark – MAN Energy Solutions, said: “Seeing our trusted MAN L21/31 GenSets go into these ships as a methanol-fuelled version shows that maritime decarbonisation is a prominent consideration for shipowners in all vessel segments and sizes. It also clearly illustrates, regardless of the market one serves as shipowner, that our broad, dual-fuel portfolio enables everyone to take part in the green transition.”
Thomas S. Hansen – Head of Sales and Promotion – MAN Energy Solutions, said: “The MAN L21/31 engine is well-established in the market having racked up some 2,750 sales. The reliability of its cost-effective, port fuel-injection concept now prominently positions the 21/31DF-M as the preferred, medium-speed, small-bore engine for GenSet and diesel-electric propulsion solutions, while also meeting market demands to balance both CAPEX and OPEX. With the shipping market currently experiencing an increased interest in methanol as marine fuel, and orders for methanol-fuelled ships steadily growing as part of many companies’ decarbonisation strategy, we feel that the introduction of this dual-fuel engine is timely.”
Source MAN Energy Solutions