Odfjell Orders Electronically-Controlled Engine
Odfjell ASA have ordered an electronically-controlled engine from MAN B&W Diesel A/S , a 7-cylinder S50ME-C model to be manufactured at the group's Alpha Diesel factory in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Norwegian owner Odfjell ASA has specified the engine to power a 37,500 dwt chemical tanker newbuilding due from the Norwegian yard Kleven Floro AS in the fall of 2003. The 7S50ME-C will be the first MAN B&W Diesel two-stroke diesel engine to be built from the start purely with fully integrated electronic control systems that eliminate the traditional camshaft. Planned for delivery by MAN B&W Diesel, Frederikshavn Works, in spring 2003, the 7S50ME-C engine will have an output of 10,415 kW at 120 r/min.
The Era of The Electronic Engine Is Here
Having already put down a marker for the industry by converting the main engine of one of its ships to full electronic control, Norwegian chemtanker specialist Odfjell has further endorsed the technology by nominating a two-stroke electronic engine from the outset for a newbuild project. Experience gained with the installation in the 37,500-dwt Bow Cecil, run in wholesale electronic mode for about a year, has convinced Odfjell of the attributes and potential of such a system. It has therefore selected a purpose-designed, electronic version of the MC-C low-speed diesel from the MAN B&W stable for a 37,500-dwt parcel tanker contracted with Norwegian shipbuilder Kleven Floro.