MAN ES’ dual-fuel methanol GenSet passes type approval test in China

German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) has revealed that its MAN 7L21/31 dual-fuel methanol (DF-M) GenSet has passed the type approval test (TAT) in China.

As disclosed, the TAT was carried out in close cooperation with CSSC Marine Power (CMP), the MAN ES’ licensee, at CMP’s production facility in Zhenjiang and received approval from all major classification societies present at the event.

The basis for the new methanol engine concept is MAN 21/31 Mk II type, MAN ES said, adding that the L21/31 engine is well-established in the market, having accumulated close to 3,000 sales over its lifetime. It burns heavy fuel oil/distillate according to the ISO8217:2024 specification, as well as other biofuels.

Michael Køel Andersen, Head of Testing at MAN Energy Solutions, commented: “Integrating a methanol system into our well proven L21/31 engine has taken around two years, including some 18 months of intense testing at MAN Energy Solutions facilities. Being able to stand here today with an approved engine and concept – despite the tight timeline and intense R&D development that was demanded – is an important milestone for our business. It also demonstrates that our GenSets are agile and ready for the future market.”

MAN ES sees its 21/31 DF-M as the current preferred, medium-speed, small-bore engine for GenSet and diesel-electric propulsion. The company pointed out that the GenSet is a “perfect match” for its methanol-fueled MAN B&W ME-LGIM two-stroke engine.

Hakon Juel Hansen, Manager of Global Promotion and Business Development at MAN Energy Solutions, stated: “We have seen significant growth within the dual-fuel sector and market demand for fuel-flexible engines is strong. Sales of the 21/31DF-M have already reached double digits since its official market launch in 2024, showing that we are capable of providing solutions to power the merchant fleet in what is a period of uncertainty in terms of customer fuel-strategy.”

“This new methanol concept will add to the volume of over 30,000 GenSet and propulsion engines already provided to industry by our small-bore, four-stroke business unit. MAN Energy Solutions has continuously brought innovative engine concepts to the market, supporting the merchant maritime industry on its path to net zero. With this successful TAT, our customers now have another means of supporting their fuel strategy.”

It is worth mentioning that MAN ES secured its first order for six small-bore, 7L21/31 DF-M GenSets back in 2023. The order was part of the construction project for two 9,300 car equivalent unit (CEU) pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) destined for China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES).