MAN Energy Solutions Logo
  • EN
  • Set your course to net zero with methanol
    Contact our experts
Scroll down

Reduce your carbon footprint with methanol GenSets: MAN L21/31DF-M and the new MAN L27/38DF-M

Methanol is a leading alternative fuel in the quest to decarbonize the maritime industry. Responding to growing demand, we present our perfectly harmonized methanol GenSets. 

The MAN L21/31DF-M was the first small-bore dual-fuel methanol GenSet in our portfolio. And the new MAN L27/38DF-M is the next milestone and addition to our small-bore engine portfolio.

MAN Energy Solutions in Frederikshavn, Denmark is home of the MAN L21/31DF-M, our first small-bore GenSet fueled by methanol.

By loading the video you agree to YouTube's privacy policy.

Load video

up to
95
%
reduction of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions possible with e-methanol
over
5700
conventional L21/31 and L27/38 engines in service

Proven design

The foundation of both engines are the trusted and proven L21/31 and L27/38 GenSets, which have jointly accumulated more than 290 million operating hours, with thousands of engines in service.

Key benefits

  • Low-emission fuel

    These engines run on methanol or conventional fuels. When powered by green methanol, they have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ability to run engines on green methanol as drop-in fuel further increases fuel flexibility.

  • Reliability and low fuel consumption

    Based on proven technology, the new methanol-fuelled engines retain the reliability and low fuel consumption of conventional engines. These engines are a solution that fits nearly all applications, ensuring security of power supply and confident handling of load steps.

  • Retrofit options

    A methanol conversion will be available as retrofit for existing MAN 21/31 with delivery from 2025 onwards. For L27/38 GenSets the retrofit will be available later.

Perfect design features for efficient and reliable operation

These engines are based on the existing L21/31 and L27/38 GenSets and their well-established technology, with thousands of engines in service and more than 110 million operating hours so far.

The port fuel injection (PFI) concept of the MAN L21/31DF-M uses proven components, providing additional simplicity and an attractive capital outlay. The long time between overhauls (TBO) gives you flexibility for maintenance planning as well as saving time and costs.

The MAN L27/38DF-M is more powerful and can be used as a GenSet or for diesel-electric propulsion. The design supports an optimal methanol fuel share with only minimum amounts of fuel oil acting as pilot oil.

MAN L21/31 engine rendering

Technical specifications – MAN L21/31DF-M

DescriptionMain data

Bore

210 mm
Stroke310 mm
Speed900 / 1,000 rpm (60 Hz / 50 Hz)
Output1,000 – 1,980 kW
Cylinder configurator5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9
Available fuelsHFO, MDO, MGO, LSFO, ULSFO, Biofuels, MeOH
Emission limitIMO Tier III with SCR after-treatment

Optimized port fuel injection

The port fuel injection (PFI) system uses a methanol injection nozzle installed outside the combustion chamber. This simplified design removes the risk of blocked nozzles in diesel mode and reduces investment costs thanks to its easy installation and integration with standardized components.

MAN SaCoS control system and cybersecurity

L2131-SaCoSone

The safety and control system MAN SaCoS supports a fast and reliable data-transfer between the engine and the power management system in the control room by easy cable connection.

The engine control system is attached to the engine and features an intuitive user interface and a colour display in different languages. The electric speed governor enables fast response.

Perfect match for MAN B&W ME-LGIM two-stroke methanol engine

L2131-LGIM

The first MAN B&W ME-LGIM came into service in 2016. Since then, we have accumulated more than half a million running hours on methanol alone, which provides a solid base for new developments. The L21/31DF-M is a perfect match for this methanol-fueled propulsion engine.

Technical specifications – MAN L27/38DF-M

DescriptionMain data

Bore

270 mm
Stroke380 mm
Speed720 / 750 / 900 rpm
Output1,980 - 3,690 kW
Cylinder configurator6 – 7 – 8 – 9
Available fuelsHFO, MDO, MGO, LSFO, ULSFO, Biofuels, MeOH
Emission limitIMO Tier II, IMO Tier III with SCR after-treatment

 

Rendering of MAN 6l27/38DF-M engine

Low-pressure fuel supply system

The methanol supply system for L27/38DF-M is a cost-optimised low-pressure system, effectively making it a profitable solution providing a lower capex.

Increased fuel flexibility

The possibility to operate engines on methanol as a drop-in fuel means that e-methanol and bio-methanol increase the fuel flexibility of the new engine and the potential of methanol as an option for GenSet applications on large merchant marine vessels as well as for propulsion solutions for smaller vessel types.

MAN SaCoS control system and cybersecurity

The safety and control system MAN SaCoS supports a fast and reliable data-transfer between the engine and the power management system in the control room by easy cable connection. 

The engine control system is attached to the engine and features an intuitive user interface and a colour display in different languages. The electric speed governor enables fast response.

What makes the new methanol-fueled MAN L21/31DF-M GenSet special?

Watch our 3D engine animation to find out more about the working principles, and also the Port Fuel Injection system.

By loading the video you agree to YouTube's privacy policy.

Load video

Service solutions for your equipment

MAN PrimeServ offers a range of modernization solutions for optimizing the reliability, availability, and economic efficiency. MAN’s upgrade and retrofit solutions are tailor-made to customers’ specific applications and equipment.

Go to MAN PrimeServ

MAN-PrimeServ

Are you ready for green methanol?

Newbuild or retrofit? What are the costs? What are the benefits? Take the lead in sustainable shipping by contacting us today!

Contact us

Continue reading

  • PrimeServ Assist Four-stroke Brochure
    pdf, 4140 KB

Inside the making of a methanol GenSet

With the first two-stroke dual-fuel MAN B&W ME-LGIM methanol engines propelling large container ships across oceans, MAN engineers from Holeby and Frederikshavn, Denmark, are now developing the ideal match for onboard power: a small-bore GenSet capable of running on conventional fuel, biofuels and green methanol
Read the full story

Related products

  • Alternative-fuels key visual

    Alternative fuels

    Operate your in service engines with Alternative Fuels: Unleash Carbon-Free & Carbon-Neutral Solutions for MAN, B&W and S.E.M.T. Pielstick engines. Achieve Fuel Flexibility for Existing Systems!

    More info

  • Four-stroke small-bore engines 

    With our small-bore engines, you are prepared for whatever lies ahead.

    More info

  • ME-LGIP

    MAN B&W ME-LGIM

    The MAN B&W ME-LGIM is a two-stroke, dual fuel engine that runs on both methanol and conventional fuels.

    More info

  • Port_of_Rotterdam

    Marine GenSets

    Get an overview of the MAN GenSets, the powerful four-stroke auxiliary engines! Take your business to the next level.

    More info

 

Related News

Set course to net zero with methanol GenSets - MAN L21/31DF-M

Watch the recording of our MAN ExpertTalk, where we introduced our new engine type: the small-bore four-stroke MAN L21/31DF-M GenSet for methanol operation.

You can look forward to hearing about this new GenSet type, the Port Fuel Injection (PFI) concept, the fuel gas supply system and the possibility to operate these GenSets on green methanol and biofuel oils.

    Register now