Next-Gen Marine Propulsion: MAN Launches Methanol Super Engine

MAN Energy Solutions has announced plans to deliver the world’s most powerful methanol-powered two-stroke engine in June 2025. The engine, rated at 82,440 kW, is currently under construction by Chinese manufacturer CSSC-MES Diesel Co., Ltd. (CMD) and is designed to power a new class of ultra-large container vessels.

The engine is the first of 12 units scheduled for deployment across a fleet of 24,000 TEU container ships. Seven of these vessels are being built at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) for Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL), while the remaining five are under construction at Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS) for COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd.

Methanol Propulsion and Emissions Technology

Each engine will be equipped with MAN Energy Solutions’ EGRTC emissions system, a large-scale two-string exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) setup—marking a first for a two-stroke engine. The EGRTC system is designed to reduce NOₓ emissions and support compliance with global environmental regulations.

Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, said the development of high-powered methanol engines aligns with the company’s focus on low-emission fuel solutions. “This engine reflects our continued work to support methanol’s role in decarbonizing shipping,” he noted.

Methanol’s Growing Role in Marine Fuel Markets

Christian Ludwig, Head of Two-Stroke Sales and Promotion at MAN Energy Solutions, highlighted the increasing adoption of methanol. The company has secured over 230 orders for its ME-LGIM engine—spanning both newbuilds and retrofits—with a collective track record exceeding 600,000 operational hours on methanol.

Originally developed to run on both conventional fuel and methanol, the ME-LGIM engine uses the Diesel principle and builds on the ME-series platform, which already has over 8,500 units in service. According to MAN, when fueled with green methanol, these engines can offer carbon-neutral propulsion, positioning methanol as a viable option in the industry’s ongoing fuel transition.

Established Technology with Expanding Application

Methanol-powered carriers have been in operation for several years, and the ME-LGIM engine has demonstrated reliable performance and fuel efficiency across multiple applications. With further orders underway and regulatory pressures mounting, methanol propulsion continues to gain traction as a scalable option for large-scale maritime operations.