MAN’s AmmoniaMot 2 – four-stroke ship engine, less emish

In Germany,  MAN Energy Solutions launched the €15 million AmmoniaMot 2 project, a research initiative aimed at developing a four-stroke, medium-speed ammonia-powered engine for maritime use. Building on the success of the initial AmmoniaMot project, this new phase seeks to enhance ammonia combustion technologies for shipping, supported by Germany’s Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. 

The project is set to run for three and a half years and involves industry leaders like WTZ Roßlau, Woodward L’Orange, Neptun Ship Design, GenSys, MNR, and academic partners, including the University of Munich and the University of Rostock. MAN’s focus is on adapting ammonia engines for cargo vessels and auxiliary power on larger ships, while also pursuing methanol engines for passenger ships.

Alexander Knafl, Head of Engineering R&D at MAN, described it as a “logical step” toward decarbonizing marine fuels, given ammonia’s carbon-free combustion properties. Christian Kunkel, Head of Combustion Development, noted the project’s potential to cut emissions by 90-95%.

With practical solutions such as injector prototypes and high-pressure fuel modules in development, AmmoniaMot 2 aims to establish ammonia as a viable, sustainable marine fuel.

More on the story.