HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has successfully verified that its own brand HiMSEN four-stroke engine can operate on ethanol fuel, said to further strengthen its capability to accommodate eco-friendly fuels.
The company conducted combustion and operational characteristic tests applying ethanol fuel based on the methanol dual-fuel engine platform (H32DF-LM). As a result, it confirmed that stable operation at all load points is possible. The test focused on verifying startability, combustion stability, power output stability, and exhaust gas characteristics under fuel property differences, while maintaining the existing methanol engine hardware as much as possible.
Ethanol, like methanol, can be handled as a liquid at atmospheric conditions and can be produced from bio-based sources, making it a promising alternative fuel with significant carbon reduction potential. It is attracting growing interest from shipowners and the shipbuilding industry as a fuel that can respond to regional methanol supply conditions and price volatility.
Through this ethanol application test, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries says it has further solidified its technological competitiveness in fuel flexibility. The company plans to conduct additional durability tests reflecting classification society requirements and commercial operating conditions.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries considers this achievement significant as it offers ethanol as a new option for customers in the eco-friendly fuel market. By securing such fuel diversification technology, the company aims to continuously lead the eco-friendly fuel engine market.
Image: The HiMSEN H32DF-M engine has successfully run on ethanol fuel (source: HD Hyundai)
