MAN Energy Solutions (MES) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), including its subsidiaries and brands.
The MoU relates to a project to retrofit a medium speed MAN 48/60 engine to enable it to run on dual-fuel diesel/methanol.
This is a multi-stage project with the third and final stage involving the completion of field testing and engine handover to NCLH for commercial operations.
Bernd Siebert, MAN PrimeServ’s Head of Retrofit & Upgrades (pictured), said: “At MAN Energy Solutions, we understand the need to form alliances on the road to de-carbonisation. NCLH is a long-time partner with whom we have successfully co-operated on projects in the past and, in the context of this important venture, is the first cruise company that we have chosen to work with.
“As a fuel, methanol is quickly becoming an option within the market. It is a clean, efficient and safe future fuel that offers a path to de-carbonisation through significant greenhouse-gas reductions, and is net zero when produced from renewable energy sources.
This memorandum underlines our mutual commitment to reducing shipping’s environmental footprint and has the potential to show the way to net zero for – not just the cruise segment – but the maritime transport industry as a whole,” he said.
