MAN Dual-Fuel Engines for Two New LNG Carriers
7G70ME-GI engine: Image courtesy of MAN
Norwegian shipowners, Knutsen OAS Shipping, have ordered 2 × 2 7G70ME-GI engines to power two new 176,300 m3 capacity LNG carriers they have on order.
MAN Diesel & Turbo has verified that, even when compared to the best, modern DFDE propulsion solution, an ME-GI engine delivers fuel savings of more than 30 tonnes of gas per day when operating at a normal ship speed of 15-17 knots. To date, MAN Diesel & Turbo say they have clinched 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.
MAN Diesel & Turbo sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as fuel prices rise and modern exhaust-emission limits tighten. Indeed, 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 is therefore the most environmentally friendly technology available.
