The Norwegian shipping company, Knutsen OAS Shipping, has placed an order for 2 × 2 7G70ME-GI engines for installation in two 176 300 m3 capacity LNG carriers under construction. The specified engines are based on MAN Diesel & Turbo’s new, ultra-long-stroke, G-type concept to deliver an even higher, overall propulsion plant efficiency.
An ME-GI engine delivers fuel savings of more than 30 t of gas per day when operating at a normal ship speed of 15 - 17 knots. To date, MAN Diesel & Turbo has received 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 licencee to demonstrate the ME-GI concept in Korea in late-2012, with Mitsui following in April 2013.
The company sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as fuel prices rise and modern exhaust-emission limits tighten. Research suggests 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.
Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe