MAN Launches AmmoniaMot 2 to Revolutionize Sustainable Marine Fuel Technology

MAN Energy Solutions is leading the way in the development of sustainable technologies with its latest project, ‘AmmoniaMot 2’. This research initiative aims to create a four-stroke, medium-speed, dual-fuel test engine that runs on ammonia. Building on the success of the world’s first two-stroke ammonia engine, the project is a collaborative effort with industry and research partners, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The project, which began in August 2024, is expected to last approximately 3.5 years and follows the earlier ‘AmmoniaMot’ project, focusing on foundational studies of ammonia combustion in internal combustion engines.

The team at MAN Energy Solutions, along with their partners, are working towards advancing ammonia as a sustainable fuel source in the maritime and industrial sectors. The company envisions the future application of ammonia-powered, four-stroke engines in newbuild projects like cargo or special vessels, as well as auxiliary GenSets for large ammonia-powered two-stroke vessels. For passenger ships such as ferries and cruise liners, the focus is on methanol as the fuel of the future. MAN Energy Solutions is already developing corresponding engines in parallel to meet the needs of this segment.

Alexander Knafl, Head of Engineering R&D Four-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, emphasizes the importance of decarbonizing the maritime industry by decarbonizing fuels. He highlights ammonia as an excellent candidate for this purpose, as it is carbon-free and helps reduce CO2 emissions when used as a fuel in engines. Christian Kunkel, Head of Combustion Development, Four-Stroke R&D, is excited about the potential of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime sector. The AmmoniaMot projects are paving the way for a more sustainable future in the industry.

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