Four Methanol-fueled Vessels Ordered in Korea

 

The four 49,000 dead weight tonne newbuilds will be built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for delivery in 2019. They will be powered by MAN B&W ME-LGI two-stroke dual-fuel engines that can run on methanol, fuel oil, marine diesel oil or gas oil.

 

The vessels will join seven existing methanol-fueled vessels chartered by WFS. In 2016, WFS, Marinvest, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Westfal-Larsen Management announced the delivery of these seven ships built with the first-of-its kind MAN B&W ME-LGI two-stroke dual fuel engines.

 

WFS will charter the four new vessels to replace older vessels and support growing demand for methanol around the world. Two of the vessels will be owned in a joint venture between WFS and Marinvest, one will be owned by NYK and the fourth will be owned in a joint venture between IINO and Mitsui.

 

“Our seven methanol-fueled vessels have been operating safely and reliably since 2016, and we expect these new vessels to benefit from ongoing technological advances that will continue to optimize performance and efficiency,” said Paul Hexter, President, Waterfront Shipping. “We are proud to see 40 percent of our fleet powered by methanol-fuel technology in the coming year.”

 

As a safe, biodegradable and clean-burning fuel, methanol is a promising alternative marine fuel that can meet new and existing environmental regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that require vessels to decrease emissions of sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxides. By using methanol rather than conventional marine fuel, the vessels produce significantly fewer emissions than conventional vessels.

 

“With seven engines already in operation and proven in the field, this new order confirms the ME-LGI concept as a mature technology,” said René Sejer Laursen, Promotion Manager, MAN Diesel & Turbo. “Since this dual-fuel engine entered the market in 2016, its price has dropped considerably, which makes it an even more attractive propulsion option. Allied with its environmental credentials and convenience of use when employing methanol as a fuel, we are confident the ME-LGI will continue its promising progress.” 

 

Patrik Mossberg, Chairman, Marinvest, said, “We have been very pleased by the performance of the vessels delivered in 2016 and excited to be investing in another two. Our overall focus in the development of the dual-fuel system concept has been safety and engine reliability. We have found the technology for handling methanol is well developed and offers a safe dual-fuel solution for low-flashpoint liquid fuels.”

 

“With the growing demand for cleaner marine fuels to meet more stringent emission regulations, we’re seeking ways to reduce our environmental footprint,” said Ryuichi Osonoe, Director and Managing Executive Officer IINO. “Investing in the next generation of fuels is one way we’ll continue to meet regulations while maintaining the efficiency of our operations.”

 

"For over 130 years, we have been guided by our commitment to pioneering innovation. Investing in this proven groundbreaking and innovative marine technology exemplifies our commitment to using leading clean technology to meet the safe and dependable transportation needs of our global customers,” said Koji Kondo, Corporate Officer, NYK,

 

“We are proud to be partnering with WFS to advance methanol as a sustainable marine fuel and be part of an innovative solution that meets the needs of the shipping industry and contributes to a more sustainable future,” said Takeshi Setozaki, Chief Operating Officer, Mitsui.