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 L35/44DF CD GenSet Passes Type Approval Test
MAN Energy Solutions has announced the successful Type Approval Test (TAT) of its dual-fuel MAN L35/44DF engine for application as auxiliary GenSet and electric propulsion at constant speeds, respectively, of 720 and 750rpm. The TAT involved the testing of both 35/44DF variants, namely the methane-capable 35/44DF CD and the methanol-ready 35/44CD.
Testing took place from April 7 – 11 at the Changwon headquarters of STX Engine in South Korea with the participation of six classification societies.
The L35/44DF CD engine is an upgraded version of the L35/44DF CR engine, first launched in 2015. Among other features, it comes equipped with an ACC (Adaptive Combustion Control) system that monitors the state of combustion in real time for optimal fuel-injection conditions.
Alexander Knafl – Senior Vice President, MAN Energy Solutions – said: “We have worked closely with STX over the past three years in developing the MAN 35/44DF CD. We anticipate it having broad appeal, especially among container vessels and LNG carriers. In addition to its strong output, other advantages of the MAN 35/44DF CD include its effective reduction of methane slip and its future-fuel readiness for methanol and other fuel types.”
Sephardim Koblenz – Vice President and Head of Licensing, Four-Stroke Marine & License – MAN Energy Solutions, said: “The 35/44DF CD is a future-proof concept with all the latest technology, including full connectivity and cyber security. The 35/44DF CD’s reliability, fuel efficiency, low methane-slip and cost optimisation are also crucial to the engine’s resumé. In developing this engine together with our partner, STX Engine, we furthermore had low cost and easy localisation as clear targets.”
The new GenSet aims to reduce ship owners’ capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX), while remaining relevant for the coming decades. The MAN 35/44DF CD dual-fuel engine is based on the proven MAN 35/44DF CR and MAN 32/44CR engines whose performance has been fully verified over the years through millions of operational hours. MAN Energy Solutions reports that the MAN 35/44DF CD features minimal greenhouse-gas emissions and that, compared with industry standards, it can reduce methane slip by up to 85%.
Documents
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PR 35.44DF TAT_EN
Contact
Nils Søholt
Trade Press Marine
Group Communications & MarktingEverllenceTeglholmsgade 412450 Copenhagen SVDenmark
nils.soeholt@everllence.com t +45 33 85 26 69Available languages
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- EN
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Methane-fuelled MAN B&W ME-GI two-stroke engine
The MAN B&W ME-GI has been in service for more than a decade already, and with a continuous focus on optimizing the engine design, it remains a preferred choice across vessel segments and sizes.
Watch the recording of our two-stroke MAN ExpertTalk where we take a closer look at the new 10.7 engine platform, the improved gas return system, and general engine availability.
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