Picture: New M-Lab outside at Torgard. 

The primary role of the new Machine Laboratory (M-Lab) within the Department of Marine Technology is to conduct detailed investigations of novel fuels for use in the marine sector.

Currently, the laboratory operates a combustion research test rig supplied by FuelTech Trondheim. 

The facility has been developed through many years of collaboration with the company and provides a highly flexible platform for investigating fuel spray formation, ignition processes, combustion behaviour, and pollutant formation under conditions representative of modern marine engines.

Advanced testing

A critical challenge is understanding how these new fuels behave inside an engine. Given the wide variability in fuel properties, particularly for biofuels, there is a clear need for advanced testing and experimental characterization techniques. 

M-Lab focuses specifically on the fuel injection process and the subsequent ignition, combustion, and emissions formation processes.

Working closely with our partners in Energy Process Technology and SINTEF Ocean, the laboratory provides what may best be described as applied fundamental understanding of emerging marine fuels. 

Bridging fundamental research and applied testing

Our work bridges the gap between highly fundamental combustion research and fully applied engine testing. We aim to generate high-quality experimental data that can support both computational model developers working at the fundamental level and engine researchers conducting applied performance and emissions studies.

The laboratory is continuously being modified and expanded to reflect the rapidly evolving fuel landscape. Flexibility is a key design philosophy of M-Lab, enabling the facility to adapt quickly to new fuels, research challenges, and industry requirements.

How to reduce carbon dioxide emissions

The vast majority of the global marine industry continues to rely on compression ignition engines operating on diesel-like fuels. In many parts of the sector, there is currently no viable alternative, and this situation is unlikely to change significantly for many years. At the same time, there is an urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport.

One approach is the adoption of so-called net-zero fuels, such as biofuels, while another is the use of zero-carbon fuels, including renewable ammonia and renewable methanol produced using sustainable electricity. 

The long-term future of these fuels remains highly uncertain, as successful implementation requires coordinated progress across fuel producers, distributors, vessel operators, engine manufacturers, and regulators.