MAN B&W ME-GI engine to power world’s first LNG-fueled bulker
After a period of negotiation, Korean shipowner, ILSHIN and HMD (Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd.) have signed a shipbuilding contract for a 50,000 dwt bulk carrier. As a world first for the segment, the vessel will be powered by an MAN B&W 6G50ME-C9.5-GI engine, to be built by HHI-EMD who will also supply the ME-GI and fuel gas supply system, MAN Diesel & Turbo said on Wednesday.
POSCO, the multinational steel-making company headquartered in Pohang, South Korea, has already agreed to charter the newbuilding upon delivery, and will use the vessel to transport limestone for its operations. POSCO will deliver the LNG fuel tank, which will be made of high-Mn steel as an alternative material to the currently widely used nickel alloy.
About the ME-GI engine
The ME-GI dual fuel low speed diesel engine represents the culmination of many years of development 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.
MAN Diesel & Turbo sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as concerns about both CO2 and SOx emission increase. Indeed, research indicates that the ME-GI engine delivers significant reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions. Furthermore, the ME-GI engine – in contrast to competing engines – has only a negligible, unburnt gas slip, consequently adding very little to the greenhouse effects of such slips. In addition, the Diesel combustion principle leaves no formaldehyde emissions. Altogether, this makes the ME-GI engine series the most environmentally-friendly technology available for marine propulsion.