Bulker debut for ME-GI engine

Hyundai Heavy Industries will build the MAN B&W 6G50ME-C9.5-GI engine and deliver the fuel supply system. Steel making company POSCO – which will charter the newbuilding to carry limestone – noted that the bulk carrier will be around seven times bigger than the average LNG-fuelled bulker. It is scheduled for delivery by late 2017.

POSCO will deliver the vessel’s LNG fuel tank, made of high magnesium steel as an alternative to the nickel alloy widely-used for such tanks). The steel is claimed to be superior to the existing materials in terms of yield strength, extremely low-temperature toughness and price, and POSCO is working with domestic shipyards including Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering to build a market for the steel.

MAN Diesel & Turbo sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as concerns about carbon and SOx emissions increase. The ME-GI engine has been shown to offer significant emission reductions when burning LNG, with negligible methane slip and no formaldehyde emissions.