Ethane-fuelled engine milestone for MAN

In tests overseen by DNV GL at MAN licensee Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co in Japan, the G50ME-C9 engine was run on MGO, with the gas system also subjected to function and pressure testing. The first test and operation on ethane gas will take place when ethane gas has been bunkered after loading in Texas, after which the engine will be known as 7G50ME-GIE (gas injection ethane).

The vessel, the first of three under construction for Hartmann at Sinopacific in China, is claimed to be “the world’s first ethane-fuelled eco-friendly LEG carrier”. The engine, designed to offer the same power as its predecessor at reduced weight and size, is capable of running on HFO, MDO and MGO. Propulsion efficiency will be further improved by employing an MAN Kappel propeller with rudder-bulb system.

The approval follows the announcement that a JACCAR/Hartmann Reederei joint venture has ordered another five 85,000m3 very large ethane carriers (VLECs), each to be powered by a single MAN B&W 6G60ME-GIE main engine. The vessels will achieve IMO Tier III NOx compliance through MAN’s exhaust gas recirculation system.

The deal brings the total number of ethane-burning ME-GIE engines on order from MAN Diesel & Turbo to eight, with further orders in the pipeline.