MAN Completes First Ammonia Engine Test

MAN Energy Solutions has achieved a significant milestone in the development of a full-scale two-stroke ammonia marine engine. The company successfully tested a MAN B&W two-stroke 4T50ME-X type engine at its Research Centre Copenhagen, producing positive results in terms of pilot-oil amount and combustion stability. The combustion of ammonia as a marine fuel represents a crucial step towards decarbonizing the marine market.

Safety has been a top priority throughout the testing process. The company has taken precautions such as constructing a custom-built ‘cold hall’ capable of containing ammonia vapor in case of a leak. The ammonia engine’s design also incorporates robust safety features from MAN Energy Solutions’ existing dual-fuel portfolio, including double-walled piping and system ventilation.

MAN Energy Solutions plans to continue testing various aspects of the ammonia engine, including heat-release, ignition, safety, emissions, and pilot-oil energy fraction. By the end of this year or early 2024, they aim to rebuild the test engine into a full-scale ammonia engine. The company expects to deliver the first ammonia engine on schedule, with onboard operation on a commercial vessel projected to begin around 2026.

The interest in ammonia-fueled engines has been overwhelming, with inquiries received from the maritime industry across a wide range of vessel types. MAN Energy Solutions foresees ammonia becoming a significant fuel source for large merchant-marine vessels, accounting for approximately 27% of fuel usage by 2050. However, the company emphasizes the importance of clear regulations from the International Maritime Organization to support the implementation of carbon-neutral fuels without penalizing maritime actors.

The ammonia engine R&D project started in 2019, with investigations into ammonia combustibility. Over the years, different test engines were utilized at the Research Centre Copenhagen, culminating in the successful combustion test of the two-stroke ammonia engine. The next steps will focus on refining the engine’s performance and ensuring its compatibility with various vessel types.

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