Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has signed new contracts with Greek companies Maran Gas Maritime and Maran Tankers Management for the construction of two dual-fuel (natural gas/HFO) ME-GI powered LNG carriers. The LNG carriers are slated for delivery in 2019.
The Korean shipbuilder announced on June 9 that it won the orders at the international shipping exhibition Posidonia in Greece. Maran Gas Maritime has already four ME-GI powered LNG carriers on order at DSME.
The newbuildings are described as the next generation of eco-friendly vessels meeting IMO Tier III.
The 173,400 cbm LNG carriers, measuring 295 m (LOA) x 46 m (beam), will each be fitted with MAN B&W 2 x 5G70ME-C9.5-GI gas and fuel burning engines fulfilling IMO Tier III by EGR in both gas and fuel mode. This engine type is expected to raise fuel efficiency significantly compared to a standard LNG carrier, while at the same time lowering emissions.
ME-GI engine
The ME-GI dual fuel low speed diesel engine represents the culmination of many years of development 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.
MAN Diesel & Turbo sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as concerns about both CO2 and SOx emission increase. Indeed, research indicates that the ME-GI engine delivers significant reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions. Furthermore, the ME-GI engine – in contrast to competing engines – has only a negligible, unburnt gas slip, consequently adding very little to the greenhouse effects of such slips.
(Source: MAN Diesel & Turbo)
