MAN Energy Solutions’ service brand, MAN PrimeServ, and Maersk have signed a contract that will see 11 of the latter’s container vessels being retrofitted with new main engines, in the form of MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 prime movers. Each of the engines will be retrofitted to dual-fuel MAN B&W 8G95ME-LGIM10.5 types, which will enable them to run on fuel-oil and methanol.
The first retrofit will be carried out in the middle of 2024, with MAN PrimeServ set to provide a complete solutions package consisting of all the necessary engineering, parts, project management and technical assistance on-site at the shipyard.
MAN PrimeServ will also offer sea-trial assistance and recertification service during the retrofitting of the container vessels.
“Switching to low-carbon fuel is the most effective way to decarbonize the existing maritime fleet,” said Michael Petersen, senior vice president, head of PrimeServ Denmark. “In this respect, the container segment has led the maritime energy transition over the past two years with a large proportion of new-builds opting for dual-fuel engines. Similarly, retrofits to dual fuel also represent an excellent way to decarbonize while enabling shipowners to maintain their assets’ value and avoid the unnecessary building of additional tonnage.”
“Part of our strategy is to act as a solution partner for our customers and help them attain their decarbonization goals,” added Klaus Rasmussen, head of projects and PVU Sales, MAN PrimeServ. “In that context, these will be the first-ever methanol retrofits performed on two-stroke engines and will enable emissions reduction when operating on green methanol. Retrofitting an MAN B&W engine to dual-fuel running is straightforward, as our standard, electronically controlled ME-C diesel engines are constructed as dual-fuel ready and are therefore readily retrofittable.”
Read more about MAN Primeserv here, more on Maersk here, and more power and propulsion news here