ClassNK approval for Niigata dual-fuel engine design

Classification society ClassNK has granted approval to the design of the new 28AHX-DF dual-fuel engine developed by Niigata Power Systems Co., Ltd.

The new engine will be used as the main engine on a new LNG-fuelled tugboat being built by Keihin Dock Co., Ltd. for NYK Line. The vessel will be Japan's first LNG fuelled vessel, excluding LNG carriers.

LNG and diesel

Niigata's 28AHX-DF is a medium-speed dual-fuel engine with a maximum rated power per cylinder of 320kW and was developed for use primarily in offshore support vessels and tugboats. The engine, which operates on both diesel fuel and LNG, will meet the strict 0.1% sulfur emissions regulations in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) that are set to go into effect in 2015, as well as comply with the IMO's stringent Tier III NOx emission requirements.

Technologies used in the new engine were developed with the support of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation & Tourism (MLIT), as well as ClassNK as part of the society's Joint R&D for Industry Program.

New technology

Yukihisa Shibata, General Manager of ClassNK's Machinery Department, commented: “The demand for dual-fuel engines is increasing as IMO restrictions tighten and the industry recognises the importance of environmental accountability. Supporting the development of such low-emission engines is one way we can help ship operators and manufacturers practically address the challenges of these new regulations, and encourage the wide spread use of this new technology.”

The model engine will undergo trial operational testing and is expected to receive type approval from ClassNK in December.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/28112014/classnk-approves-new-dual-fuel-engine-1877/