Reduce your carbon footprint with methanol GenSets 

In the quest to decarbonize the maritime industry, green methanol is considered a relevant path for a range of vessel applications. With two methanol-capable engines already in our small-bore portfolio, we ensure that the technology is ready and available to support this path. 

Close-up view of a methanol-fuelled marine generator set showing engine components, piping and auxiliary systems.

L21/31DF-M, L27/38DF-M, and the new L21/31DF-Me 

The L21/31DF-M (former MAN L21/31DF-M) was the first small-bore dual-fuel methanol GenSet in our portfolio, while the L27/38DF-M (former MAN L27/38DF-M) became the next milestone to support vessel segments in need of higher power output. 

Today, the fuel-flexibility is extended further with the ethanol-capable L21/31DF-Me GenSet. Building on the proven L21/31 dual-fuel platform, it enables operation on methanol, ethanol, and all blend ratios between the two fuels.

Market Update Note

L21/31DF-M in service

Meet our first small-bore GenSet fuelled by methanol

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over
5,700
conventional L21/31 and L27/38 engines in service
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Up to
95
%
reduction of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions possible with e-methanol
Cloud-based monitoring and data transfer for methanol-fuelled marine gensets.
Engineer working on L21/31DF-M engine

Proven design 

The foundations of these engines are the trusted and proven L21/31 and L27/38 GenSets, which have jointly accumulated more than 290 million operating hours, with thousands of engines in service. 

Key benefits of the methanol-fuelled small-bore engines  

Our methanol-fuelled engines are based on proven technology. Additional fuel flexibility is ensured by the dual-fuel principle and possibility to operate on methanol.

  • The engines retain the reliability and low fuel consumption of conventional engines
  • These engines offer a solution that fits nearly all applications
  • They ensure security of power supply and confident handling of load steps
  • A methanol conversion has been available as retrofit for existing L21/31 with delivery since 2025. For L27/38 GenSets, retrofit solutions will become available later.

These key features make the methanol-fuelled small-bore GenSets a perfect choice for shipowners focusing on reliable and future-proof solutions by means of alternative fuels.

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Talk to our experts 

Are you ready for green methanol? 

Newbuild or retrofit? What are the costs? What are the benefits? Take the lead in sustainable shipping by contacting us today! 

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Perfect design features for efficient and reliable operation 

The methanol-fuelled small-bore engines run on methanol or conventional fuels. When powered by green methanol, they have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ability to run engines on green methanol as drop-in fuel further increases fuel flexibility.

 

Overview – L21/31DF-M 

The port fuel injection (PFI) concept of the L21/31DF-M uses proven components, providing additional simplicity and an attractive capital outlay. The long time between overhauls (TBO) gives you flexibility for maintenance planning as well as saving time and costs. 

Optimized port fuel injection

The port fuel injection (PFI) system uses a methanol injection nozzle installed outside the combustion chamber. This simplified design removes the risk of blocked nozzles in diesel mode and reduces investment costs thanks to its easy installation and integration with standardized components.

 

SaCoS control system and cybersecurity

The safety and control system Everllence SaCoS supports a fast and reliable data-transfer between the engine and the power management system in the control room by easy cable connection. The engine control system is attached to the engine and features an intuitive user interface and a colour display in different languages. The electric speed governor enables fast response.

Perfect match for Everllence B&W ME-LGIM two-stroke methanol engine

The first ME-LGIM engine came into service in 2016. Since then, we have accumulated more than half a million running hours on methanol alone, which provides a solid base for new developments. The L21/31DF-M is a perfect match for this methanol-fueled propulsion engine.

Overview – L27/38DF-M 

The L27/38DF-M is more powerful and can be used as a GenSet or for electric propulsion. The design supports an optimal methanol fuel share with only minimum amounts of fuel oil acting as pilot oil. 

Low-pressure fuel supply system

The methanol supply system for L27/38DF-M is a cost-optimized low-pressure system, effectively making it a profitable solution providing a lower CAPEX.

 

Increased fuel flexibility

The possibility to operate engines on methanol as a drop-in fuel means that e-methanol and bio-methanol increase the fuel flexibility and the potential of methanol as an option for GenSet applications on large merchant marine vessels as well as for propulsion solutions for smaller vessel types.

SaCoS control system and cybersecurity

The safety and control system Everllence SaCoS supports a fast and reliable data-transfer between the engine and the power management system in the control room by easy cable connection. The engine control system is attached to the engine and features an intuitive user interface and a colour display in different languages. The electric speed governor enables fast response.

Frequently asked questions regarding the Everllence small-bore engines 

What else is there to know about these engines? 

Core questions on methanol-fuelled engines answered

The conversion to methanol will be available for existing L21/31 engines with delivery from 2025 onwards. For L27/38 GenSets, the retrofit option will be available later.

Both engine types can run on a wide range of different fuels: conventional fuel types include HFO, MDO, MGO, LSFO and ULSFO. The use of biofuels and methanol are a big additional advantage. The use of biofuels or green methanol support the maritime energy transition.

The methanol-fuelled small-bore engines are suited for nearly all kinds of merchant vessels. As GenSets they are ideal for container vessels, tankers, bulkers or  PCTCs. The L21/31DF-M is also a perfect match for the methanol-fuelled Everllence B&W ME-LGIM two-stroke engine. 
For electric propulsion, both L21/31DF-M and L27/38DF-M can be applied to smaller vessel types. 

No. The L21/31DF-Me is based on the L21/31DF-M’s proven port fuel injection (PFI) concept and is designed to operate on methanol, ethanol, and any blends of methanol-ethanol using the same dual-fuel platform.

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Get more info about our small-bore methanol portfolio

L27/38DF-M GenSet
pdf | 143 KB
L21/31DF-M GenSet
pdf | 112 KB
Small-bore
pdf | 1676 KB

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