MAN to lead pioneering ammonia genset project
The initial phase of the NH3 – FutureFlex project involves ammonia testing on a single-cylinder MAN GenSet at the Technical University of Denmark
(Source: MAN Energy Solutions)
MAN Energy Solutions is to lead a new project, ‘NH3 Spark – FutureFlex’, that aims to develop a small-bore engine capable of running on ammonia without the need for pilot fuel.
Denmark’s Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Progamme, a state initiative, has revealed details of the project. The objective is to develop a dual-fuel, four-stroke genset which is suitable both for new marine installations and the retrofit of conventional units, of which there are already more than 20,000 currently in operation. Scope to use other fuels in the future, reflected in the word ‘FutureFlex’ in the project’s name, will also be assessed.
The Technical University of Denmark and Skovgaard Energy are partners in the four-phase project. Danish shipping firms including DFDS, Hafnia, and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have declared their support, and an unnamed classification society will also participate at a later stage, according to a MAN statement.
The engine company’s Senior R&D Specialist, Warley Thomsen, commented: “This project has the potential to create a new niche for the well-proven oil-fuelled engine where units can be quickly retrofitted or installed on board new ships or in power plants. It aims to provide an attractive retrofit solution for existing engines with fuel-flexibility as a priority. The concept will be capable of operating purely on ammonia but also on conventional biofuel oils to accommodate shipowners and the environment, regardless of which future-fuels ultimately prevail.”
