Carbon neutrality through simplicity: discover ABC’s dual fuel methanol engines

Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) is thrilled to announce that it has developed an extended range of dual fuel methanol engines. These medium-speed DZD MeOH engines, based on the DZ engine family, develop up to 3,536 kW (4,810 HP) and are highly suitable for heavy-duty applications. They also help our business partners towards future-proof fuels.

E-Methanol is today regarded as an important alternative fuel for defossilisation in heavy-duty applications such as shipping, power generation or rail freight transport. Methanol, when made from renewable energy, is CO₂ neutral and offers several interesting benefits that can help our customers on their way to significantly reducing their CO₂ emissions.

Also, this alternative fuel fits perfectly into the “Fit for 55” package, presented in 2021 and designed to realise the European Climate Law objectives: climate neutrality by 2050 and a 55 % reduction of net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, compared with 1990 levels.

Liquid methanol also offers additional flexibility in (ship) design. This fuel does not need to be cooled or stored under high pressure, allowing the fuel tanks to be nicely incorporated into the ship’s hull and not wasting valuable space.

With the DZD MeOH engine range, ABC launches a completely new range of medium-speed dual fuel methanol engines. The range consists of 6- and 8-cylinder inline engines and 12- and 16-cylinder V-engines covering a power range between 955 kW (1,300 hp) and 3.5 MW (4,810 hp).

Depending on the operational profile and load, a ratio of 70% methanol and 30% conventional fuel or biofuel can be achieved. These are energetic ratios, so 70% of the energy comes from the methanol. An additional advantage of these dual fuel engines is that the operator can effortlessly switch to 100% conventional fuel or biofuel when methanol is not available. The switchover can also be done automatically and even under load without any loss of power. This ensures easy operation of the propulsion system and maximum vessel uptime.

Thus, with the DZD MeOH engines, CO₂ emissions are reduced by as much as 70%. Combined with an exhaust after-treatment system (EATS), the remaining soot particles and nitrogen gases (NOx) are eliminated by a particulate filter and SCR/oxicat system so that the strictest emission standards are achieved. And when biodiesel or HVO is used to replace conventional fuel, CO₂ emissions are even more reduced.

Carbon neutrality through simplicity

More than 110 years of international experience in engine manufacturing provides exceptional expertise and competence. Durability, reliability and simplicity of design have long been some of ABC’s goals.

ABC’s dual fuel methanol engines therefore offer some key advantages:

• Inhouse development
  The DZD MeOH engines were fully developed in-house, use proven technology and have been extensively tested to ensure long-term and efficient operation.
• Safe, dual fuel MeOH fuel system
  The dual fuel methanol engines use a double-walled methanol fuel system that eliminates the risk of leakage. This makes these engines compliant with the IGF code. However, it remains a necessity to comply with mandatory safety and installation regulations.
• Low-pressure fuel injection (< 10 bar)
  Liquid methanol is injected at low pressure, via port injection (before the intake valves), into the combustion chamber. This safe system is less complex as high-pressure systems and is both much cheaper to purchase and maintain.
• Compact fuel preparation chamber
  Given that liquid methanol, injected under low pressure, requires less preparation, the ATEX zone can be kept relatively small which again provides additional storage space in the vessel. This again provides cost savings.
• No lubrication additives required
  ABC’s DZD MeOH engines do not require any lubrication additives in the methanol. Additionally, no separate lubrication unit needs to be provided, again saving additional space and avoiding additional costs.
• Retrofit of existing ABC engines
  It is possible to retrofit existing ABC engines, which operate with conventional fuel, to dual fuel methanol operation. For example, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with the Methatug, is currently converting an existing tugboat with two ABC engines to methanol propulsion. A world first! With this, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is taking another important step in the transition to a sustainable and CO₂-neutral port.
• ABC methanol engines loved by world players
  ABC’s DZD MeOH engines are available today. So with this new type of engines, ABC is further pushing for innovation and sustainability within heavy-duty applications. And this does not go unnoticed. Already several global players active in various applications have ABC dual fuel methanol engines on order…. ABC’s DZD MeOH engines provide a safe investment, and they help our customers towards a significant reduction of their fleet’s CO₂ emissions.