Accessing the market and technologies for methanol internal combustion engines

Customer Challenge

Alternative fuels present multiple pathways for decarbonisation with methanol showing a promising role as a future fuel in the marine segment.
Ricardo was commissioned to assess the methanol propulsion market and technology, to allow the client to strategise their approach for product conversion, enabling methanol propulsion.

Ricardo Solution

A study which enabled an understanding of the external market, including legislated requirements and rules set by classification societies on methanol together with competitor technology trends and announced targets for methanol new build and engine retrofit packages.
An assessment of combustion approaches (CI, SI, HCCI etc) for single fuel and dual fuel applications, covering the implications on efficiency, durability, practicality and cost effectiveness.
A methanol injector supplier review providing insight on capability and suitability for the client’s requirements.

Customer Benefit

The deliverables enabled a detailed understanding of the current and projected landscape of methanol fuel for marine propulsion applications, allowing the client to strategise and differentiate their approach.

This was supported by detailed Q&A throughout the project delivery.