ME-GI Engines for EPS Newcastlemaxes

The confirmation of the order follows the conclusion of a term charter agreement between EPS and mining and metals major Rio Tinto in early May 2021.

Two-stroke licensee, CSSC-MES Diesel (CMD), will construct the engines in Lingang, China and the contract contains an option for three further vessels. The newbuildings are scheduled for delivery from the second half of 2023.

The new order comes shortly after MAN Energy Solutions received an order for 5 × 6G70ME-GI Mk 10.5 dual-fuel engines in October 2020 in connection with the construction of 5 × 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulkcarriers, again for EPS, which will subsequently be chartered to Australian mining giant, BHP, for a period of five years.

Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Promotion and Customer Support, Two-Stroke Business, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “The ME-GI engine is now the market standard for large, dual-fuel bulk carriers as the value chain in the segment has further increased its focus on decarbonisation. Here, this mature technology’s negligible methane-slip and the inherent potential of alternative fuels, such as LNG, are significant advantages and demonstrate to the industry that viable options for lowering carbon footprints exist. These vessels will be among the cleanest and most efficient in their segment, as well as being IMO 2030-compliant well in advance of the legislation.”