MAN and NCLH in 4-stroke methanol conversion study

The three stage project is expected to investigate the preferred methanol combustion strategy, assessing the relative advantages of port fuel injection and direct injection technology, before proceeding to the retrofit of the engine(s), commissioning and field testing.

The third and final phase would then involve the completion of field testing, and engine handover to NCLH for commercial operation.

Bernd Siebert – Head of Retrofit & Upgrades at MAN PrimeServ – said: “At MAN Energy Solutions, we understand the need to form alliances on the road to decarbonisation. NCLH is a long-time partner with whom we have successfully cooperated on projects in the past and, in the context of this important venture, is the first cruise company that we have chosen to work with.”

He continued: “As a fuel, methanol is quickly becoming an option within the market. It is a clean, efficient and safe future-fuel that offers a path to decarbonisation through significant greenhouse-gas reductions, and is net-zero when produced from renewable energy sources. This memorandum underlines our mutual commitment to reducing shipping’s environmental footprint and has the potential to show the way to net-zero for – not just the cruise segment – but the maritime transport industry as a whole.”