MAN’s new auxiliary engine ‘slashes’ methane slip

MAN Energy Solutions said its new auxiliary MAN35/44DF CD type engine was designed for container and LNG carrier applications. (Image: MAN)

MAN Energy Solutions said its new auxiliary MAN 35/44DF CD type engine is aimed at container and LNG carrier applications and ‘slashes’ methane slip.

The genset was developed in cooperation with STX Engine and solely for production by MAN licensees. The new engine was developed with the clear aim of cutting down CAPEX and OPEX costs, and for helping future-proof fleets over the coming decades. It offers 560 kW per cylinder with nine cylinders in the largest engine configuration.

It is based on the mature MAN 35/44DF CR and MAN 32/44CR engines – which have run in a multitude of applications over many years with millions of running hours. MAN said the 35/44DF CD comes with a number of features for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane slip, which it reduces by up to 85% compared with market standards. MAN Energy Solutions states that it expects the first delivery by mid-2024, with the first unit in commercial operation beginning in 2025.

“We specifically developed the MAN 35/44DF CD in close collaboration with STX Engine to optimize the requirements of an auxiliary engine,” said Sephardim Koblenz, Head of Licensing, MAN Energy Solutions. “Among other characteristics, both shipyards and shipowners greatly appreciate auxiliary engines that are easily installed and maintained, while reliability and cost-optimization are also key.”

The company said it made several important design changes: crevice volume is reduced, realized up to 35% engine load, and the combustion process was updated. All load points are secured with the lowest methane slip.  The result is up to 85% lower methane slip compared to current industry standards. 

“Modern, powerful, dual-fuel engine aimed at LNG carrier/containership segment slashes methane slip, ready for methanol and other future-fuels,” the company said in a news release. 

Alexander Knafl, Head of R&D Engineering, Four-Stroke, MAN Energy Solutions, said a major advantage of the 35/44DF CD is its focus on cutting methane slip and positioning itself as future-fuel ready. This includes being ready for dual-fuel methanol operation by 2026.