MAN Energy Solutions has begun full-scale testing on its two-stroke ammonia engine at its research centre in Copenhagen.

The marine engine designer has already tested a single cylinder engine operating on ammonia for the past 12 months, but will now step up development of its liquid gas injection ammonia engine.

MAN Energy Solutions head of two-stroke research and development Ole Pyndt Hansen called the development a “significant milestone to be able to step up to full-scale engine testing”.

“We have been busy with the conversion process over the past few months, including ensuring that all safety provisions work according to our requirements.

“We are now ready for the next phase that will focus on, among other parameters, combustion and emissions, engine-tuning, atomiser testing and control-system verification. This is provisionally set to continue until mid-2025.”

MES’s main two-stroke rival, WinGD, has been developing its X-DF-A ammonia engine since 2019 and final testing is underway.

WinGD has won orders for 30 ammonia dual-fuel engines and is expected to deliver the first engine to a Chinese shipyard in late 2025.

MES chief executive Uwe Lauber told Lloyd’s List he was looking forward to seeing even more dual-fuel vessels hit the orderbook in 2025, as shipowners take more interest in engines such as MES or WinGD’s offerings.

“Having passed the 50% mark in terms of two-stroke dual-fuel orders in newbuildings over the past few years, I’m excited to see the continuous uptake across the segments and dual-fuel engine types in 2025 and beyond,” he said.

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