Nanni, in partnership with ScandiNAOS AB, is developing its first high-speed dual-fuel engine

In a rapidly evolving maritime sector characterized by growing demands for performance, sustainability, and innovation, strategic alliances play a key role. It is in this context that Nanni has commissioned ScandiNAOS AB to develop a methanol dual-fuel version of Nanni’s John Deere-based engines. This fruitful technological partnership, with successful testing of the engine, aims to support the sector’s transition to cleaner energy solutions while maintaining high performance and operational reliability.

A collaboration born out of a need for sustainable innovation

Nanni is actively pursuing the development of more sustainable propulsion solutions across all its segments (recreational and commercial). The company aims to keep pace with market trends by incorporating alternative fuels and innovative technologies capable of meeting new environmental and regulatory requirements.

In response to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ongoing call for significant reductions in atmospheric exhaust emissions, Nanni has embarked on the development of an advanced double fuel technology. With the Life Mystic project, Nanni has developed an innovative dual-fuel technology that allows engines to run on both diesel and methanol. A solution designed to operate using a fuel blend consisting of approximately 30% diesel and 70% methanol on an energy basis, significantly reducing diesel consumption and associated harmful emissions.

This “dual fuel” approach represents a significant step in the maritime sector’s energy transition, offering a more sustainable alternative without compromising optimal engine performance.

To achieve this ambitious objective, Nanni partnered with Scandinaos AB, a recognized leader in methanol-based Dual Fuel conversion systems. The collaboration between the two companies has proven highly effective, combining Nanni’s engineering expertise with Scandinaos’ specialized knowledge in alternative fuel technologies.

Thanks to this strategic synergy, Nanni successfully developed its first high-speed genset equipped with Dual Fuel methanol technology, marking a significant milestone in the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable marine energy solutions.

Learn more about the Life Mystic project: Sanlorenzo, Nanni Industries, MAN Engines and Ranieri Tonissi joined forces with Life Mystic project for a more responsible future – Nanni Industries : Nanni Industries

ScandiNAOS’s expertise in support of Nanni solutions

ScandiNAOS AB was commissioned by Nanni to develop a dual-fuel version of the 6 liters engine, based on a John Deere platform, intended for use as a generator set. At the heart of this development is the design of a dual-fuel injection kit that allows these Nanni engines to switch between methanol and diesel.

The conversion kit developed by ScandiNAOS AB includes a methanol control system as well as hardware modifications enabling the injection of methanol into the fuel system. Now considered one of the most promising fuels for the future of maritime transport, methanol drastically reduces CO₂ emissions, fine particulate matter, and certain air pollutants traditionally associated with conventional marine fuels.

The system includes methanol-specific engine control units (ECUs), a redesigned air intake manifold equipped with methanol injectors, and a double-walled methanol fuel rail designed to meet maritime safety requirements.

One of the main advantages of this system is its flexibility: when the methanol tank is empty, the engine automatically switches back to diesel without interrupting navigation. Thanks to the dual-fuel configuration, approximately 60 to 70 percent of conventional diesel fuel can be replaced with methanol while maintaining engine performance. Its use represents a major step toward cleaner and more sustainable boating.

Successful test for the Nanni dual-fuel engine

Once the kits were delivered and installed on the generator set, the engine, now converted to a methanol dual-fuel configuration, went through a test carried out in a lab in late 2025.

The test was conducted in accordance with IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) standards regarding progressive loading of engines and generator sets, in the presence of a representative from RINA (Registro Italiano Navale, a classification, inspection, and certification body). In addition to the standard safety procedures applicable to marine engines, additional safety requirements related to methanol operation were implemented and verified during the tests.

The tests delivered positive results. The transition between single-fuel and dual-fuel modes is smooth and seamless during operation. The proportion of energy derived from methanol ranges from 50% to 75%, which significantly reduces emissions while maintaining full power output in both diesel and dual-fuel modes. After conversion to methanol, the engine shows a dramatic reduction in key pollutants, with CO (carbon monoxide) and HC (hydrocarbon) emissions reduced by 95 to 99% and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions reduced by 65% across most load conditions. Particulate matter is also consistently lower, confirming significantly cleaner combustion.

These conclusive results confirm the strong potential of methanol dual-fuel technology as a practical and effective resource toward low-emission marine power generation. As the first Nanni high-speed dual-fuel engine, the company is proud to say that this innovation paves the way for a new generation of marine engines capable of balancing performance, the energy transition, and environmental responsibility.

Beyond this technical advancement, the collaboration between Nanni and ScandiNAOS AB reflects a shared vision: to build the future of the maritime industry around more responsible solutions, where innovation goes hand in hand with the energy transition.

About Nanni

Founded in 1952, NANNI is one of the leading international manufacturers of marine engines and generator sets. The company provides advanced propulsion solutions for the maritime industry, ranging from recreational boating to commercial vessels.

Renowned for its reliability, high performance, and comfort-focused design, NANNI operates two production facilities in France and Italy. The company is firmly committed to supporting the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems by continuously investing in R&D and sustainable innovation.

About ScandiNAOS AB

Founded in 2005 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, ScandiNAOS AB is a naval engineering company specializing in the design of sustainable ships and maritime transport systems. Its primary goal is to contribute to the development of maritime transport that is both efficient and environmentally friendly, while significantly reducing the sector’s climate impact.

The company stands out for its comprehensive approach, integrating ship design, propulsion systems, energy management, and logistics solutions. It is thus active across the entire maritime transport value chain, from design to operational optimization.

For several years, ScandiNAOS AB has focused much of its work on the integration of alternative fuels, particularly methanol, which is considered a key solution for reducing emissions in the maritime sector. The company is now recognized as one of the most experienced players in this field, with numerous projects carried out on various types of ships and advanced expertise in clean propulsion and energy efficiency.