First ME-GA engine completes gas trials

The successful conclusion of sea- and gas-trials marks an important step towards the delivery of the first vessel to be powered by MAN ES’ new low-pressure Otto Cycle engine. The MAN B&W engine has been installed on an LNG carrier built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) for Norwegian shipping company, Knutsen OAS Shipping.

The engine itself was built by MAN licensee HHI-EMD. 

The ME-GA engine has been specified with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) that reduces methane-slip emissions compared to first-generation, Otto-cycle engines without EGR.

MAN executives paid tribute to the successful conclusion of the gas trials. 

Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Promotion and Customer Support, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We have had more than 260 orders for the ME-GA since its launch in May 2021 and our orderbook contains ME-GA engine orders for ship deliveries stretching all the way into 2027. EGR as standard enables the ME-GA to significantly reduce emissions, while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency and operation in both gas and fuel-oil operation.”

Brian Østergaard Sørensen, Vice President and Head of R&D, Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, said: “It’s been very pleasing to follow the steady progress of the ME-GA engine ever since we began its development back in 2018. Following its Factory Acceptance Test, Type Approval Test and first shipyard delivery, this completion of sea- and gas-trials marks another significant step in its timeline as it approaches its commercial debut.”