Recently, Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research institute (SMDERI) successfully completed sea trials of China’s first domestically developed methanol-fueled medium-speed engine with high substitution rate aboard the “Changhang Huoyun 006” vessel.
China Classification Society (CCS) has issued China’s first product certificate for the methanol engine utilizing the methanol direct injection technology route.
This engine is China’s first medium-speed methanol-fueled engine in the 1-2MW range achieving a 90% methanol substitution rate. It can be widely applied in propulsion systems for inland waterway/coastal vessels and auxiliary power generation for ocean-going ships. The methanol supply system and intelligent system designed and supplied by SMDERI successfully completed sea trials simultaneously.
During the six-hour sea trial, the engine, supply system, vibration reduction and noise control and intelligent system test teams organized by SMDERI conducted comprehensive testing of key parameters including fuel consumption, shaft power, and vibration and noise levels under actual navigation conditions. Data showed that all measured indicators met design requirements, with the engine’s power response performance in methanol mode comparable to that in diesel mode.
“Changhang Huoyun 006” has an overall length of 129.98 meters, a maximum draft cargo capacity of 9,600 tons, and a cruising range of 3,000 kilometers. It is a new-generation 130-meter green and intelligent standard ship designed for the Chuanjiang River in China.
The successful sea trials of China’s first domestically developed medium-speed methanol engine with high substitution rate represent a significant innovative practice by SMDERI and China Yangtze Shipping Group in jointly advancing the “dual carbon” goals. This achievement provides a pilot case for the green transformation of the shipping industry and makes a positive contribution to promoting the development of the Changjiang Golden Waterway and fostering high-quality growth in Changjiang shipping.