Norwegian Player to Power LNGCs with ME-GI
Adoption of dual-fuel, low-speed engine type by market grows apace.
Knutsen OAS Shipping, the Norwegian shipping company, has placed an order for 2 × 2 7G70ME-GI engines in connection with the building of two 176,300 m3 capacity LNG carriers. The specified engines are also based on MAN Diesel & Turbo’s new, ultra-long-stroke, G-type concept to deliver an even higher, overall propulsion plant efficiency.
MAN Diesel & Turbo has verified that, even when compared to the best, modern DFDE propulsion solution, an ME-GI engine delivers fuel savings of more than 30 tonnes of gas per day when operating at a normal ship speed of 15-17 knots. To date, MAN Diesel & Turbo has clinched orders for 42 dual-fuel units, representing a power output of 780 MW.
- The ME-GI engine
The ME-GI engine represents the culmination of many years’ work. Depending on relative price and availability, as well as environmental considerations, the ME-GI engine gives shipowners and operators the option of using either HFO or gas – predominantly natural gas. An ME-LGI counterpart is also being developed that uses LPG and methanol.
Hyundai became the first MAN Diesel & Turbo two-stroke licensee to demonstrate the ME-GI concept in Korea in late-2012, with Mitsui following in April 2013. At the time, MAN Diesel & Turbo predicted a broad, potential market for its ME-GI engine. Subsequently, the company reported much interest in the engine and has since confirmed several orders from significant market players.
MAN Diesel & Turbo sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as fuel prices rise and modern exhaust-emission limits tighten. Indeed, research indicates that the ME-GI engine delivers significant reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions. Furthermore, the ME-GI engine has no methane slip and is therefore the most environmentally friendly technology available. As such, the ME-GI engine represents a highly efficient, flexible, propulsion-plant solution.