MAN Announces Methanol Engine Deal for Chemical Bunker Tanker

MAN Energy Solutions has been awarded a contract for 3 × MAN 6L21/31DF-M (Dual Fuel-Methanol) GenSets, which can operate using methanol, for the construction of a 7,990 dwt IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker.

The dual-fuel engines will be incorporated into a diesel-electric propulsion system aboard the vessel, with electric motors propelling twin fixed-pitch propellers via gearboxes. An onboard battery-storage system will enhance the efficiency of the dual-fuel generators. The engines will be manufactured in China by CMP, a licensee of MAN Energy Solutions and an engine-manufacturing division of the Chinese State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The vessel is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The newly constructed vessel will be chartered to provide marine fuels at the port of Singapore. Plans are underway at the port to ensure a consistent supply of methanol starting from 2025, aiming to fulfill the projected bunkering needs for vessels fueled by methanol in the future.

Bjarne Foldager, the Country Manager for Denmark at MAN Energy Solutions, expressed, "The incorporation of our reliable MAN L21/31 GenSets in these vessels, now fueled by methanol, underscores the significant emphasis on maritime decarbonization among shipowners across various vessel segments and sizes. It demonstrates that our extensive dual-fuel portfolio empowers all shipowners, regardless of their market focus, to participate in the shift towards sustainability."

Thomas S. Hansen, the Head of Sales and Promotion at MAN Energy Solutions, remarked, "The MAN L21/31 engine has established itself firmly in the market with approximately 2,750 sales. Its reliability, coupled with a cost-effective port fuel-injection design, positions the 21/31DF-M as the preferred medium-speed, small-bore engine for GenSet and diesel-electric propulsion solutions. This engine meets market demands by balancing both CAPEX and OPEX considerations. Given the maritime industry's increasing interest in methanol as a marine fuel and the growing orders for methanol-fueled ships as part of many companies' decarbonization strategies, we believe that the timing of introducing this dual-fuel engine is opportune."

MAN Energy Solutions enable their customers to achieve sustainable value creation as they journey towards a carbon-neutral future. By tackling the challenges of tomorrow across marine, energy, and industrial domains, MAN Energy enhances efficiency and performance on a systemic scale. With a legacy of over 250 years in advanced engineering, the company offers a distinctive portfolio of technologies. Based in Germany, MAN Energy Solutions operates with a workforce of approximately 14,000 individuals across over 120 locations worldwide. Through its after-sales brand, MAN PrimeServ, the company provides an extensive network of service centers catering to customers globally.