MAN ES announces partners for four stroke ammonia engine

The project, initiated in August 2024, is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and will run for 3½ years. It builds on the achievements of the initial “AmmoniaMot” project, which concluded in May 2024 after conducting essential research into ammonia combustion in internal combustion engines. MAN Energy Solutions is again leading the project, working alongside a mix of partners from the original project, such as WTZ Roßlau, Woodward L’Orange, and the Universities of Munich and Rostock, as well as new collaborators, including Neptun Ship Design, GenSys and MNR.

Alexander Knafl, head of engineering R&D Four-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, commented: “This project is the logical next step after AmmoniaMot, aligning perfectly with our strategy to develop sustainable technologies. We are excited to work again with our esteemed partners. Decarbonising the maritime industry starts with decarbonising fuels, and ammonia is a key candidate for this, being carbon-free and eliminating CO2 emissions when used in our engines.”

Looking ahead, MAN Energy Solutions envisions ammonia-powered four-stroke engines being deployed primarily in newbuild cargo or special vessels, or as auxiliary power systems for large, ammonia-fuelled two-stroke ships. For passenger ships such as ferries and cruise liners, however, the company is prioritising methanol as the future fuel and is actively developing relevant engines in parallel.

Christian Kunkel, head of combustion development, Four-Stroke R&D at MAN Energy Solutions, added: “In the original AmmoniaMot project, we demonstrated ammonia’s viability as a fuel for medium-speed engines, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90-95%, while adhering to current emission standards. Ammonia will play a critical role in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, and I’m excited to take this next step with AmmoniaMot 2.”