Dual Fuel Hydrogen – World’s First

The first dual fuel hydrogen engines in use on a work boat.

On 10th May 2022, MAN Engines put its first two dual fuel hydrogen-powered engines for work boats into serial operation. These comprise two twelve-cylinder diesel engines of type MAN D2862 LE448, each with an output of 749 kW (1019 hp) at 2100 rpm.

The engines are IMO Tier III-certified and equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction exhaust gas aftertreatment system. Both V12 engines have been prepared for dual fuel operation by MAN Engines, and supplemented with a hydrogen injection system by development partner CMB.TECH. The low-emission engine is used on the world’s first hydrogen-powered crew transfer vessel (CTV), the “Hydrocat 48” from Windcat Workboats.

“What’s special about our technology is that we use a conventional diesel engine, which doesn’t need to be optimised for hydrogen,” says Werner Kübler, Head of Development at MAN Engines. A proven V12 marine engine is used in which hydrogen is introduced into the charge air via an adapter and is added to the combustion cycle. The diesel fuel common rail injection parameters are optimised for dual fuel operation.

MAN Engines has long-standing experience in the development of fuel-saving and reliable diesel engines, including for work boats. Building on this experience, the newly altered engine achieves the best consumption values in dual fuel operation, without sacrificing the performance you would get from the engine as a pure diesel model. At the same time CO2 emissions are reduced through the use of hydrogen by an average of approximately 50%, and even as high as up to 80%.

Servicing and maintenance is easy as personnel are familiar with the engine as essentially a diesel power unit.

MAN are pleased to report the engines are now entering series production. To explore the additional advantages and features of these engines please review the link here or contact us.

Contact Seapower to learn more about  Dual Fuel Hydrogen, or other MAN low emission commitments, such as world leading Hybrid electric engines, Bio-diesel fuel compatibility or SCR systems.

All enquiries: Marco Masia, 0400 147 044, man@seapower.com.au