Review of technologies for the use of natural gas in dual fuel marine engines and techno economic study of marine diesel engines retrofit to dual fuel engines

Master Thesis
Author
Kostopoulos, Sotirios
Chronopoulos, Ioannis
Κωστόπουλος, Σωτήριος
Χρονόπουλος, Ιωάννης
Date
2026-03Advisor
Zannis, TheodorosΖάννης, Θεόδωρος
View/ Open
Keywords
Diesel ; Natural gas ; Performance characteristics ; Marine diesel engines ; Dual-fuel enginesAbstract
In recent years, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced stringent regulations to reduce gaseous emissions from marine diesel engines, targeting sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Compliance measures include limits on fuel sulfur content, NOx emission standards, and energy efficiency frameworks such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). Within this regulatory context, natural gas has emerged as a promising alternative marine fuel.
This thesis evaluates the technological, environmental, and economic feasibility of using natural gas in four-stroke marine compression ignition engines operating in dual-fuel mode. Natural gas combustion enables significant reductions in NOx, CO₂, and particulate matter emissions, while effectively eliminating SOx emissions. However, challenges such as increased unburned hydrocarbon emissions and methane slip—due to methane’s high global warming potential—must be considered.
The study combines thermodynamic analysis, experimental data from the literature, and a techno-economic assessment of retrofitting existing vessels. Results indicate that dual-fuel operation is a technically viable and environmentally beneficial solution, although its economic feasibility is highly dependent on fuel price dynamics and retrofit costs.

