MAN plans to provide methanol retrofit services for four stroke engines starting from 2025

MAN PrimeServ, the after-sales service brand of MAN Energy Solutions, recently announced that it will launch a retrofit service starting from 2025, which will convert traditional MAN four stroke engines into methanol dual fuel engines.

Specifically, for the first time, customers can upgrade their existing MAN 48/60 engines to modern MAN 51/60DF dual fuel engines that can run on methanol fuel, providing a future solution for existing fleets to achieve climate neutrality.

MAN Energy Solutions reports that since the summer of 2024, this retrofit solution has undergone long-term research and intensive testing at the company's factory in Augsburg, Germany. MAN PrimeServ plans to complete the modification of a four stroke engine for its first pilot customer in the autumn of 2025, and this revolutionary modification solution will officially enter the stage of widespread market application.

Stefan Eefting, the head of MAN PrimeServ Germany, said, "Achieving climate neutrality in the shipping industry requires reliance on synthetic fuels, and green methanol, with its excellent energy density, is particularly suitable for four stroke applications. In this context, we have received numerous inquiries from customers seeking retrofit solutions using methanol as engine fuel. Our newly launched methanol retrofit service will provide customers with an economical option - upgrading existing old engines to new models for the future. This retrofit solution not only reflects our determination to work together with customers for climate protection, but also helps ensure that customers' investment in MAN engines has both bright future prospects and a considerable return on investment

Alexander Knafl, Head of Engineering Research and Development at MAN Energy Solutions, added, "In a series of tests conducted on the MAN 51/60R-DF-M dual fuel engine, we have accumulated valuable experience in methanol fuel operation. At the same time, we have made significant progress in combustion management and methanol injection technology. Currently, we are committed to further optimization work to ensure that the engine can maintain efficient operation regardless of whether diesel or methanol is used as fuel

Starting from 2025, company customers can retrofit existing traditional MAN 48/60 engines into new MAN 51/60R-DF-M dual fuel engines and choose whether to equip them with a common rail system. The modified engine can not only use methanol as fuel, but also significantly improve efficiency when running diesel. In addition, these engines will be equipped with MAN Energy Solutions' latest control and safety technologies.

Bernd Siebert, head of MAN PrimeServ's retrofit and upgrade department, added, "Upgrading existing engines to dual fuel systems capable of using synthetic fuels is crucial for achieving climate neutral shipping. In addition to developing new engines, we also need to develop decarbonization strategies for existing fleets. The service life of ships is typically 20 to 30 years, and from an economic perspective, retrofitting existing engines is more efficient than directly replacing them or building new ships