MAN Energy Solutions and Svitzer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the development of a methanol-fuelled version of the MAN 175D engine.
According to MAN, the MoU targets the finalisation of a field-test agreement based on which a dual-fuel engine and plant equipment will be installed on board one of Svitzer’s newbuild tugs. Svitzer has a long-standing relationship with MAN Energy Solutions, especially recently with the MAN 175D engine. In particular, in 2023, Svitzer selected the MAN 175D engines for its new TRAnsverse tug design.
Kasper Karlsen, Chief Operating Officer at Svitzer, stated that Svitzer has set ambitious yet realistic, long-term targets to decarbonise its operations. He mentioned that in 2023 alone, they reduced the CO2 intensity of their global fleet by 24%.
Svitzer has been working on its own low-emission concept for some time and this agreement brings this to the next level. Thus, the agreed timeline serves both companies’ targets very well. Svitzer’s tug operation is an excellent candidate for the field-testing of our newly developed MAN 175DF-M engine and I look forward to a close collaboration.
… said Alexander Knafl, Senior Vice President, MAN Energy Solutions
Ben Andres, Head of Medium- and High-Speed at MAN Energy Solutions, also expressed happiness in entering the agreement with Svitzer, a high-profile operator. He stated that they are convinced Svitzer is the right partner to start this common project with due to their highly ambitious goals for decarbonization and to maximally reduce their CO2 footprint.
The next phase leading to the signing of the field-test agreement will focus on details of the fuel-supply system, engine-room design, exhaust after-treatment and engine-performance optimisation.
