Retrofitting can reduce CO2 emissions significantly
MAN Energy Solutions is implementing retrofitting technology to convert ship and power plant engines into future-ready machines capable of running on synthetic fuels – gaseous or liquid. Upgrade solutions and advanced customized retrofits by MAN PrimeServ open a world of options. They help you optimize reliability, efficiency, and performance; they lower maintenance expenses and add operational flexibility. More importantly, they enable you to comply with increasing environmental regulations. Retrofitting an engine extends the life cycle substantially, thus abating up to 97% of CO2 compared to e.g., building a new ship.
Keep your engines, systems, and equipment compliant and competitive
Cargo ships and power plants are long-term investments. Retrofitted and modernized with high-value MAN Energy Solutions’ products, they become more sustainable, can continue to be used for decades, and are an attractive investment proposition.
Retrofits play an important role in the energy transition and are crucial for achieving a green fleet of ships or power plants that help to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement.
A recent study indicates that around 1,900 two-stroke and 1,800 four-stroke marine and power plant engines have the potential for a future fuels retrofit.
Maximize savings with future fuels through cutting-edge retrofit solutions
Switching between different fuels is made easy with MAN dual fuel engines, as they are highly versatile and capable of utilizing both liquid and gaseous fuels. This flexibility empowers you to transition between fuels at your convenience, whether driven by factors like fuel costs or regulatory requirements. What's more, these engines can seamlessly switch between fuels even while operating, all without compromising engine performance. Should you wish to convert single fuel engines to dual fuel, please note that such a transformation may necessitate adjustments to your fuel supply infrastructure. Our team of MAN PrimeServ fuel experts is readily available to provide guidance and discuss the various possibilities.
Converting existing engines to dual-fuel operation is crucial to decarbonize shipping because it’s a powerful measure that can be implemented quickly. This is an essential first step, as all such dual-fuel engines can also be enabled to operate on a range of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, including synthetic natural gas (SNG), green ammonia and methanol. And from an economic perspective, retrofitting is much more efficient than installing a new engine or building a new shipUnlocking efficiency and cost savings
Our retrofit solutions, upgrades, and services optimize investment returns. They boost efficiency as well as performance, and reduce maintenance, fuel, and lube oil costs.
Experts in retrofitting and dual-fuel conversions
At MAN Energy Solutions, we have a long-standing experience in retrofitting engines with state-of-the-art technology. We have also pioneered the conversion of large container ships to LNG operation, for example for Hapag-Lloyd, and are currently converting engines on board of a Karadeniz Powership from heavy-fuel-oil to dual-fuel operation.
Finding the perfect fit
Beside methanole, other fuels can also be a solution for your marine application: LNG, bio fuels or amminia. Find your perfect fit now.
News about our retrofit solutions
MAN PrimeServ to Offer Methanol Retrofits for Four-Stroke MAN engines from 2025
MAN PrimeServ – the after-sales brand of MAN Energy Solutions – has announced that, from 2025, it will offer a retrofit package for the conversion of conventional MAN four-stroke engines already in the field to dual-fuel methanol operation. Customers will initially be able to convert existing MAN 48/60 engines to the latest MAN 51/60R-DF-M engine type with methanol capability.
MAN Energy Solutions reports that the conversion package has been under development for some time and has been tested intensively at its Augsburg, Germany plant since summer 2024. MAN PrimeServ plans to convert the first four-stroke engines for a pilot customer in autumn 2025, at which stage the package will be made available to the general market.
Stefan Eefting, Head of MAN PrimeServ Germany, said: “Climate-neutral shipping can only be achieved with synthetic fuels and green methanol is particularly suitable for four-stroke applications due to its favourable energy-density. In this context, we have already received a large number of retrofit enquiries from customers who want to switch to methanol. With our new methanol-retrofit package, we can now offer customers an economically attractive opportunity to convert older engines to a future-proof type. In this way, we are protecting the climate together with our customers and ensure that their investments in our engines remain future-proof, with a very interesting ROI."
Alexander Knafl, Head of Engineering R&D Four-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, added: “We have already gained extensive experience in methanol operation with the MAN 51/60R-DF-M in a series of tests. We have achieved pleasing results in both combustion management and methanol injection and are now focusing on further optimisation. Our aim is to ensure a consistently high engine efficiency, regardless of the fuel type, diesel or methanol.”
Methanol retrofit is economically attractive
Accordingly, from 2025, customers will be able to have conventional MAN 48/60 engines converted to new MAN 51/60R-DF-M engines – both with or without a common-rail system. In addition to the converted engine's methanol capability, customers will also benefit from the engines’ significantly higher efficiency during diesel operation. The engines will also be equipped with the latest control and safety systems from MAN Energy Solutions.
Bernd Siebert, Head of Retrofits & Upgrades, MAN PrimeServ, added: “Converting existing engines to dual-fuel operation with synthetic fuels is of crucial importance to climate-neutral shipping. In addition to new engines, we also need concepts to decarbonise the existing fleet. After all, ships have a service life of 20 to 30 years and, from an economic point of view, retrofitting is also much more efficient than installing a new engine or building a new ship.”
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Contact
Jan Hoppe
Head of Group Communication & Marketing
Group Communications & MarketingMAN Energy Solutions SEStadtbachstr. 186153 AugsburgGermany
Jan.Hoppe@man-es.com t +49 821 322 3126Available languages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retrofit older vessels, or are retrofits primarily for newer ships?
Retrofits benefit vessels of all ages, not just newer ones. It extends the operational life of vessels and ensures compliance with evolving industry as well as environmental standards. Retrofit options depend on the vessel's age, condition, and design, but older ships can benefit from retrofits as well.
What are the environmental and regulatory benefits of upgrading to cleaner technologies in marine applications?
What is the expected downtime during a retrofit or upgrade project?
Strategic expertise for global sustainability
Apart from retrofit solutions, as an integral component of our future technology portfolio, we also provide enduring core products and digitalization services. With our extensive expertise in these domains, we are mapping out the path towards a sustainable future.