Highest power dual-fuel engines on order
The engines will power two 3,600teu container ships ordered by US operator Matson Navigation Company from the Aker Philadelphia shipyard. The deal includes an option for three further vessels.
The ME-GI engines and associated systems will be built under licence by Hyundai. According to MAN, the ME-GI uses the Diesel cycle to maintain high efficiency, with no need for any derating, to minimise methane slip and cut the need for restrictive load ramps or other knock-preventing measures. The company views the order as a significant step in the adoption of its dual-fuel two-stroke technology by the marine market.
Ole Grøne, senior vice president low-speed sales and promotions, MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: “The ME-GI has a number of inherent characteristics that we feel give it a decided advantage in the market. Primarily, it is a Diesel engine in contrast to the other dual- or triple-fuel engines on the market, which are Otto engines. Simply put, engines that operate according to the Diesel principle have a higher efficiency and power concentration than those following the Otto principle. Furthermore, in the light of after-treatment, a Diesel engine’s performance can benefit from NOx control, both in regard to fuel and gas, and within both Tier II and Tier III areas.”
Concerning the safety aspects of LNG as fuel he said: “Due to compact, double-wall, gas-fuel pipes in the engine room and on the engine, the gas volume at any point in time within the engine is kept to a minimum, ensuring complete safety.”
As well as dual-fuel technology the ships feature other environmental measures including a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-skin fuel tanks and freshwater ballast systems. Added to the orders from another US company, TOTE, for two 8L70ME-GI engines and from Teekay LNG Partners for four 5G70ME-GI engines, this latest contract underlines the leading position in the LNG-fuelled two-stroke market for MAN’s ME-GI, developed in conjunction with its licensees Hyundai and Mitsui
