Japan, Korea Welcome Methanol-fueled Tankers
Starting on April 18, Waterfront Shipping Company Ltd. (WFS), Marinvest/Skagerack Invest (Marinvest), Westfal-Larsen Management (WL), and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) attended the traditional ship naming ceremonies and took delivery of the first Korean and Japanese built methanol-fueled ocean tankers, the Lindanger, Mari Jone and Taranaki Sun. Hyundai Mipo Dockyard hosted the Korean ship naming ceremony, while Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. hosted the Japanese ceremony; where all three of these 50,000 dead weight tonne vessels were built.
First Methanol-fueled Tanker Launched
Launched at the Hyundai Mipo dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, the newly built Lindanger is the world’s first methanol fueled ocean-going vessel. The ship is the first of two dual-fueled 50,000 dwt tankers owned by Norwegian firm Westfal-Larsen that will be chartered to global marine transportation company Waterfront Shipping. With a MAN designed Hyundai–B&W 6G50ME-9.3 ME-LGI dual-fuel, two-stroke engine on board, the Lindanger can run on methanol, fuel oil, marine diesel oil or gasoil. The Lindanger has been assigned the additional notation LFL FUELLED to demonstrate her compliance with the DNV GL rules for low flash point marine fuels.
First Methanol-powered Tankers Due for Delivery
Starting in April, Waterfront Shipping Company Ltd. (WFS), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Westfal-Larsen Management (WL), and Marinvest/Skagerack Invest (Marinvest) will welcome innovative, clean-burning, fuel-efficient vessels to the sea. These seven 50,000 dead weight tonne vessels are built with the first-of-its kind MAN B&W ME-LGI 2-stroke dual fuel engines that can run on methanol, fuel oil, marine diesel oil, or gas oil. This ship technology will significantly reduce emissions while giving ship owners a viable, efficient and convenient fuel alternative.
Contract Makes First Commercial ME-LGI Engine Reality
Vancouver-based Waterfront Shipping has confirmed its Methanol Carrier Project for a series of 50,000-dwt methanol carriers, each powered by an MAN B&W ME-LGI main engine running on methanol. The confirmation stems from a Letter of Intent MAN Diesel & Turbo and Waterfront signed in July of this year. MAN Diesel & Turbo officially designates the ME-LGI engine as ME-B9.3-LGI. In collaboration with leading shipping lines, Waterfront reports that it is behind the 2+1 × 6G50ME-LGI engines ordered by Westfal-Larsen, the 2+1 × 7S50ME-B9.3-LGI by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and the 1+1+1 × 6G50ME-LGI with Marinvest/Skagerack Invest. Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd.
