MAN introduces a methanol-capable 2-stroke marine engine

18 April 2016

MAN Diesel & Turbo announced “first-of-its kind” MAN B&W ME-LGI 2-stroke dual fuel engines that can run on methanol, fuel oil, marine diesel oil, or gas oil. Seven 50,000 dead weight tonne vessels built with the new engine will be delivered to Waterfront Shipping Company Ltd. (WFS), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Westfal-Larsen Management (WL), and Marinvest/Skagerack Invest (Marinvest), with first deliveries starting this month.

The new ships will be the world’s first ocean-going vessels capable of running on methanol, according to MAN. When operated on methanol, the engines emit reduced levels of NOx, SOx and particulate emissions compared to diesel operation.

“Investing in methanol-based marine fuel reinforces our commitment to invest in sustainable technology that not only provides environmental benefits but also an economically viable alternative marine fuel. The cost to build new and convert existing vessels to run on methanol is significantly less than alternate fuel conversions," said Jone Hognestad, President, Waterfront Shipping.

Waterfront Shipping will charter the seven vessels to replace older vessels and expand its fleet. Two of the vessels are owned by WL, two vessels are jointly owned by Marinvest and WFS, and the remaining three vessels are owned by MOL. The ships were built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. The first three vessels are being delivered in April, with the remaining four to be delivered by October 2016.

“MAN developed these 2-stroke engines in response to interest from the shipping world to operate on alternatives to heavy fuel oil and meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. To hedge the risk of fuel price volatility, the vessels can switch between fuels, and operate cost-effectively,” said Ole Grøne Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing and Sales, MAN Diesel & Turbo.

Source: MAN Diesel & Turbo