Knutsen OAS Shipping, the Norwegian operator, has ordered 4 × MAN B&W 5G70ME-GI engines with EGR systems in connection with the construction of two 180,000 m3 LNG tanker newbuildings. Upon delivery in 2020, the vessels will transport cargoes worldwide for two Spanish utility companies.
The order follows the increasingly popular path initiated by Gas Natural Fenosa, the multinational Spanish group that was the pioneer in adopting ME-GI technology in an order for 4 × LNG tankers in 2013.
The new orders stem from Corpus Christi Liquefaction, LLC – a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc. – that recently entered into 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) with the two Spanish utilities. Under the terms of their respective SPAs, the Spanish utilities have agreed to purchase a combined total of over 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG upon the commencement of operations from the LNG export facility currently being developed near Corpus Christi, Texas.
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. The ME-GI is a Diesel engine in contrast to the other dual- or triple-fuel engines on the market, which are Otto engines.
About Knutsen
Knutsen OAS Shipping AS is a fully integrated shipping company whose activities cover shipping operations, newbuilding supervision, chartering and in-house project development. The company’s headquarters lie in Haugesund, Norway.