Nanni has developed a methanol-powered dual-fuel version of its John Deere-based marine engine platform in collaboration with Swedish engineering company ScandiNAOS AB.
The project forms part of Nanni’s wider work on lower-emission propulsion systems and follows development carried out through the Life Mystic project, an EU-funded initiative coordinated by Sanlorenzo, aiming to build the world’s first bi-fuel superyacht that can run on both traditional diesel and green methanol.
The new system is designed to operate on a fuel blend of around 30 per cent diesel and 70 per cent methanol on an energy basis, reducing diesel consumption and exhaust emissions while maintaining engine output and operational continuity.
ScandiNAOS AB was commissioned by Nanni to develop a dual-fuel version of its 6-litre John Deere-based engine for generator set applications. The conversion package includes a methanol control system and hardware modifications that allow methanol injection into the fuel system.
The engine can operate on both methanol and diesel. If the methanol supply runs out, the system automatically switches back to diesel operation without interrupting performance.
The converted engine underwent testing under IACS – International Association of Classification Societies – standards for progressive loading of engines and generator sets, and took place in the presence of a representative from RINA.
According to the companies, the engine moved between single-fuel and dual-fuel modes without interruption during operation. The proportion of energy supplied by methanol ranged from 50 per cent to 75 per cent during testing, while full power output was maintained in both diesel and dual-fuel operating modes.
Nanni reports that the converted engine demonstrated lower emissions across several measured pollutants. The company states that carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions were reduced by between 95 per cent and 99 per cent, while nitrogen oxide emissions fell by 65 per cent across most load points. It also reports lower particulate matter emissions compared with conventional diesel operation.
Nanni, founded in 1952, manufactures marine engines and generator sets for recreational and commercial vessels, with production facilities in France and Italy.
ScandiNAOS AB, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, specialises in naval engineering and sustainable ship design, with a focus on alternative fuels including methanol.
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