SNG: Synthetic gas for the maritime transition
A viable path to decarbonization
MAN Energy Solutions is driving the maritime energy transition with technologies for low-carbon fuels, including green engines and retrofits. Our synthetic natural gas (SNG) solutions offer you a clear path to low-carbon shipping.
From HFO to LNG to SNG
Most of the world's ships run on heavy fuel oil (HFO). The climate crisis has made it essential to find low-carbon alternatives. In recent years, liquefied natural gas (LNG) has become the alternative of choice, but it still a fossil fuel that produces greenhouse gases (GHG). SNG is a new low-carbon alternative. SNG is chemically the same as the main combustible constituent of LNG, so it can used as a direct replacement or blended with LNG, depending on the supply.
SNG as maritime fuel
SNG is optimally suited for the two- and four-stroke dual-fuel engines in MAN’s range and ideal for ships that already run on LNG and aim to save additional emissions. Achieving fuel supply aboard ship is straightforward enough with the right equipment – as with LNG. The new gaseous fuel has to be held at cryogenic temperatures prior to bunkering (-162°C). However, an already established LNG infrastructure can also be used for fueling with SNG.
Reference case: ElbBLUE
World’s first use of SNG in commercial shipping
In September 2021, the 1,036-TEU vessel ElbBLUE, which had been retrofitted with a four-stroke MAN 51/60 dual-fuel engine in 2017, also became the first container ship worldwide to use climate-neutral SNG on a commercial trip. The ship replaced approximately 50% of its bunkered gas fuel with SNG from the Kiwi AG plant in Wertle, Germany. The test proved that any LNG-retrofitted ship can run on carbon-neutral fuels generated by Power-to-X technology.
Read moreManaging Methane Slip
Does the issue of methane slip affect the climate benefits of LNG as an engine fuel for marine applications? Download this paper and find out more about the various countermeasures the company has taken for this purpose.
Synthetic natural gas (SNG) can be derived from fossil fuels and biomass via gasification and methanation processes. SNG can also be produced by, for example, renewable or surplus energy in power-to-gas systems. Biogases are produced from biomass and waste products – and the resulting liquefied fuels can be referred to as BioLNG or LBG (liquefied biogas) and sometimes LBM (liquefied biomethane).
Main advantages:
- SNG and Biogas have the same low NOx, SOx and particulate matter emissions as LNG, but they can be CO2 neutral depending on the feedstock and conversion energy source
- Depending on the source fuel, SNG and Biogas can be a carbon-neutral substitute for fossil fuels
- SNG and Biogas can be blended with LNG to gradually reduce the CO2 footprint
- Considered to be excellent bridging fuels during the ongoing energy transition
Focus areas:
- The availability of SNG and Biogas as bunker fuel
- Increase of production capacities Read more
Solutions / technologies by MAN Energy Solutions:
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Other future fuels
Related news
MAN Energy Solutions and Anglo-Eastern Agree on EEXI Compliance Measures
MAN Energy Solutions has signed a Letter of Commitment (LOC) with ship manager, Anglo-Eastern, at its Hong Kong head office to supply its Overridable Power Limitation (OPL) solution, including service installation, to meet the impending IMO MARPOL VI EEXI regulation.
In preparation for the upcoming EEXI regulation, MAN Energy Solutions developed retrofit solutions to satisfy vessels in need of an OPL scheme, both for MC- and ME- engines.
Early in the process, Anglo-Eastern requested suggestions for suitable solutions for those elements of its fleet in need of a retrofit. Anglo-Eastern has approximately 300 vessels requiring an OPL solution, spanning mechanically- as well as electronically-controlled engines.
Carsten Ostenfeldt, Chief Operating Officer, Anglo-Eastern Univan Group, said: “It was important for us to have a solution for our customers and vessels that was timely and cost competitive. We knew pressure would build up across the many vessels in the world in need of an OPL solution, which is why we wanted to be an early mover to ensure sufficient capacity for the retrofit of our vessels.”
Sarath Prasannan, Managing Director MAN Energy Solutions, Hong Kong and Head of MAN PrimeServ, Marine & Power (APAC), said: “The Anglo-Eastern Group is a Global Key Account for MAN Energy Solutions and is well prepared in its approach to meeting the IMO regulatory requirements due to come into effect in 2023. We will work together with Anglo-Eastern in ensuring that the engines in its fleet have the latest class approval and access to tamper-proof EEXI compliant solutions.”
Overridable Power Limitation
The development of OPL is spurred by the introduction of the IMO’s MEPC 335(76) regulation – to be enforced from January 2023 – that will require vessels already in service to meet the EEXI (Energy Efficiency eXisting ship Index). MAN Energy Solutions developed OPL to meet the vast majority of shipowners’ desire for a simple, economical solution that would comply with the impending regulation. OPL reduces carbon emissions by restricting the maximum power – and thus, fuel consumption – produced by prime movers to a lower value than what was originally designed and certified for.
About Anglo-Eastern
Anglo-Eastern is a leading global provider of independent ship management services, with 650 vessels under full technical management, and over 250 under crew management. The group has nearly 50 years of experience and engages in all areas of ship management, crew management, and technical services for vessels of all types and sizes. As of November 2018, it was the largest ship manager in the world by number of ships, and the second largest in the world by number of seafarers.
Documents
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PR AESM-MES EEXI Agreement_EN
Contact
Nils Søholt
Trade Press Marine
Group Communications & MarktingMAN Energy SolutionsTeglholmsgade 412450 Copenhagen SVDenmark
nils.soeholt@man-es.com t +45 33 85 26 69Available languages
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