Nanni completes testing of the first high-speed dual-fuel methanol engine
Automatic diesel-methanol transmission, emission reduction of up to 99% for CO and HC and full power maintained in both operating modes
On the path to decarbonization in the nautical and light marine sectors, methanol continues to gain ground as one of the most viable alternatives to traditional fuels. This is the context for the new development announced by Nanni, which has successfully completed testing of its first high-speed dual-fuel engine powered by methanol.
The project was born as part of the Life Mystic program (initiated by the Sanlorenzo shipyard, which initiated and led the development of an innovative dual-fuel generator, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of low-impact technologies in the recreational boating sector and making a concrete contribution to the decarbonization process) and aims to bring to the marine generator segment a solution capable of combining operational continuity, emissions reduction, and compatibility with established engine platforms. To develop the system, Nanni collaborated with ScandiNAOS AB, a company specializing in dual-fuel methanol conversion systems.
The chosen technical base is a 6-liter John Deere engine, marinized by Nanni and intended for genset applications. The heart of the project is a conversion kit developed by ScandiNAOS that introduces a dedicated methanol injection system along with electronic management capable of controlling dual-fuel operation. The interesting aspect, especially from an operational and commercial perspective, is that the engine can automatically switch from dual-fuel to pure diesel mode seamlessly if the methanol tank runs empty.
The system was designed to operate with a methanol energy content of between 50% and 75%, while Nanni's project goal is to achieve a mix equivalent to approximately 70% methanol and 30% diesel. This solution significantly reduces diesel consumption without sacrificing performance and reliability, two key factors, especially for professional vessels and large pleasure craft.
The tests were conducted according to IACS standards for the progressive loading of engines and generator sets, in the presence of a Rina representative. According to the company, the engine's behavior during transitions between the various operating modes was found to be smooth and stable, even under load.
The emissions data are particularly significant. After the dual-fuel conversion, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions decreased by between 95% and 99%, while nitrogen oxides recorded a 65% reduction at most load points. Particulate matter was also significantly lower than with the conventional diesel configuration, confirming cleaner combustion.
Rather than pursuing a complete replacement of existing architectures, Nanni is working on a platform capable of integrating alternative fuels while maintaining compatibility with technologies and operating logic already known to the market. This could prove strategic in the coming years, when global methanol availability and bunkering infrastructure will gradually but unevenly grow.
For the yachting industry, this topic is particularly interesting, even with a view to the future. While dual-fuel methanol is currently finding its first application in generators, the technology could provide a concrete basis for subsequent developments in high-speed main propulsion systems, especially in areas where owners, shipyards, and operators are beginning to demand solutions that reduce the environmental footprint without compromising the vessels' range, ease of management, or operational availability.
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