Order book for MAN Diesel & Turbo's ME-GI engines passed the 100-unit milestone

Fuel-efficient, two-stroke slow-speed ME-GI main engine produced by MAN Diesel & Turbo has passed another milestone with orders for more than 100 units received. The second ME-GI engine has been despatched by MAN D&T after successful Factory Acceptance Testing. After FLEX LNG picked ME-GI main engines as the propulsion system for two LNG carriers to be built at Samsung Heavy Industries the number passed the 100 mark. The expected delivery dates of the vessels have been postponed from Q1 2017 to Q1 and Q2 2018, the engine manufacturer said in a press release.

Ole Grøne, Senior Vice President Low-Speed Sales and Promotions, MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: “With our ME-GI order book now having passed the 100-unit milestone, we view it as a sign that our confidence in this low-speed, dual-fuel engine concept has been both well-founded and well-timed, and that we are providing what the market desires. Indeed, it seems as if the ME-GI is set to become the new industry standard.”

The first two ME-GI units (MAN B&W 8L70ME-GI types), recently successfully passed their Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) in Korea, and have now been installed aboard two 3,100-teu container vessels currently under construction in the United States. MAN Diesel & Turbo reports that the testbed performance of the ME-GI engines exceeded expectations, providing tangible evidence of the soundness of the concept. The company is pleased that this confirms the ME-GI’s high-pressure technology as a state-of-the-art solution, which the market has embraced, judging by the significant volume of orders seen in the short period of time since the ME-GI was launched.

The ME-GI engine represents the culmination of many years’ work, and gives shipowners and operators the option of utilising fuel or gas depending on relative price and availability, as well as environmental considerations. The ME-GI uses high-pressure gas injection that allows it to maintain the numerous positive attributes of MAN B&W low-speed engines that have made them the default choice of the maritime community. The ME-GI is not affected by the multiple de-ratings, fuel-quality adjustments or large methane-slip issues as have been seen with other, dual-fuel solutions.

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’s negligible methane slip makes it the most environmentally friendly technology available. As such, the ME-GI engine represents a highly efficient, flexible, propulsion-plant solution. An ME-LGI counterpart that uses LPG, methanol and other liquid gasses is also available, and has already been ordered.

The MAN Group is one of Europe's leading commercial vehicle, engine and mechanical engineering companies, generating annual revenue of around 15.7 billion euros and employing a workforce of approx. 53,500 worldwide. MAN is a supplier of trucks, buses, diesel engines, turbomachinery and special gear units, with all corporate divisions holding leading market positions.