Dynamic modelling and simulation of a methanol-fuelled engine (MENENS)
Type:
Presented during:
CEDA Dredging Days 2026
Authors:
B. Mestemaker, M. Kom, C. van den Berg, M. de Geus, A. Gubbini, R. Helmons and D. Heidelberg
Abstract
Stringent global and local legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions drives the maritime energy transition, resulting in a change to non-fossil origin fuels with simple and short molecules. For work vessels such as mid-size and larger trailing suction hopper dredgers and self-propelled cutter suction dredgers methanol has potential due to its good safety properties, environmental impact, energy density, and atmospheric storage conditions. One of the main challenges is to determine how methanol-fuelled engines will perform with the strong fluctuating power demand characteristic of dredging vessels. This research studies the dynamic performance of a methanol-fuelled high-pressure direct-injection engine subjected to the transient loading profiles of both trailing suction hopper dredgers and cutter suction dredgers. Previously developed models have been improved and matched to testbench data. The methanol-fuelled high-pressure direct-injection engine model is capable of dealing with the transient conditions placed on it by a cutter suction dredger operating in both rock and sand. The engine is expected to be able to deal with most transient conditions of the dredging operation and stays within the set boundaries of the methanol operating envelope. However, there may be some extreme instances in which the transient requirements approach/exceed the capabilities of the engine in methanol operation and would require an energy storage system.