Boxship order launches dual-fuel engine
MAN Diesel & Turbo has confirmed the first order for its low speed, dual-fuel ME-GI engine.
American shipping company TOTE has signed a contract with its compatriot shipyard NASSCO in San Diego for the construction of two new containerships with an option for three more vessels for primarily domestic services.
The vessels will each be powered by 8L70ME-GI dual-fuel gas powered engines.
The two 3,100 teu vessels will claim to be the most environmentally friendly containerships in the world, powered primarily by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The first two ships will be operating between Florida and Puerto Rico. Construction for the first containership is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2014, with delivery to occur by the fourth quarter of 2015; the second ship will be delivered in the first quarter of 2016.
Ole Grøne, senior vice president low-speed sales for MAN Diesel & Turbo said: “Our experience with two stroke, dual-fuel engines stretches back to the 1990s. With the current developments in fuel prices and multiple customer requests for a solution, the momentum towards the development of a commercial, low speed dual-fuel engine became unstoppable. We see this order as a natural culmination, and see the ME-GI as the beginning of a significant new era.”
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 but also, eventually, LPG.
MAN Diesel & Turbo sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as fuel prices rise and modern exhaust emission limits tighten. Indeed, previous research indicates that the ME-GI engine delivers significant reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions. Furthermore, the ME-GI engine has no methane slip, and it is therefore the most environmental friendly technology available.
