Svitzer plans to install MAN ES’ methanol-fueled engine on newbuild tug

German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with towage and marine services provider Svitzer for the development of a methanol-fueled version of the MAN 175D engine, targeting its installation on board one of Svitzer’s newbuild tugs.

The MoU aims to finalize a field-test agreement based on which the dual fuel engine 175DF-M and plant equipment will be installed on one of Svitzer’s tugs.

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 optimization.

Svitzer’s collaboration with MAN ES included the MAN 175D engine in 2023 when Svitzer selected these engines for its new TRAnsverse tug design.

Alexander Knafl, Senior Vice President, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “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.”

Kasper Karlsen, Chief Operating Officer at Svitzer, commented: “At Svitzer, we’ve set ambitious yet realistic, long-term targets to decarbonise our operations. In 2023 alone, we reduced the CO₂ intensity of our global fleet by 24% and we’re committed to making further progress through the use of low-carbon fuels like methanol, innovative engine technologies, and continuous changes of behaviour. The MoU signed with MAN represents an exciting opportunity to jointly secure valuable field experience focusing on the use of dual-fuel methanol engines within our fleet.”

Svitzer is also working on the design of the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell (MHFC) tug that will use an electrical propulsion system with methanol fuel cells and batteries with secondary methanol-fueled generators that will provide backup power if required.

After being part of the Maersk Group of companies for more than 40 years, Svitzer was recently separated from the Danish shipping and logistics major through a demerger.

The shares in Svitzer A/S and its subsidiaries as well as certain other related assets and liabilities will be contributed by  A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S (APMM) to a new legal entity under the name of Svitzer Group A/S.

Svitzer has 430 vessels operating in 140+ ports and 25+ oil and gas terminals globally.