MAN Energy Solutions Tests Two-Stroke Ammonia Engine: A Milestone in Sustainable Shipping
MAN Energy Solutions has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable shipping. The company successfully conducted a speed test on a two-stroke engine running on ammonia for the first time. The test took place at the Research Centre Copenhagen on a MAN B&W 4T50ME-X type engine.
The test, conducted in a custom-built 'cold hall' with robust safety features, produced promising results. It showed positive data on pilot-oil amount and combustion stability. This marks a significant step towards developing a full-scale two-stroke ammonia marine engine.
Brian Østergaard Sørensen, Vice President and Head of Research & Development, Two-Stroke, MAN Energy Solutions, expects to rebuild the test engine to a full-scale ammonia engine running by the end of 2023 or early 2024. The company aims to deliver the first ammonia engine for operation on a commercial vessel around 2026. The first MAN B&W ammonia engine will be a 60-bore engine applicable to a wide range of vessel types, as stated by Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Promotion and Customer Support, MAN Energy Solutions.
Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, MAN Energy Solutions, noted the overwhelming interest in ammonia engines. The company will continue this development with Dr. Ulrich Baumeister leading the project in 2023. Gunnar Stiesch, Chief Technical Officer, MAN Energy Solutions, hailed this test as a major milestone in the company's journey towards sustainable marine engines.
MAN Energy Solutions' successful ammonia engine speed test paves the way for a sustainable future in marine transportation. The company's commitment to developing full-scale ammonia engines is expected to yield results in the coming years, with the first engine slated for commercial operation around 2026.
