MAN Energy Solutions successful ME-GI (Gas Injection) engine has set a new industrial standard for two-stroke propulsion engines aboard LNG carriers, container vessels, car carriers and bulk carriers. The company announced that the first ME-GI engine featuring its newly-developed Pump Vaporizer Unit (PVU) has successfully completed LNG trials in Korea. The engine is the first in a series of six neo-Panamax boxships – built by HSHI (Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries), and ordered by Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), the Singapore-based shipping company – with each powered by individual MAN B&W 11G90ME-GI main engines. CMA CGM has already chartered the vessel, named ‘Tenere’, from EPS.
“The successful gas and sea trials and the on-schedule delivery of CMA CGM Tenere make for an important MAN and EPS milestone. Three years ago, we committed to investing in alternative marine fuels, like LNG, to lead the industry towards decarbonization and environmental preservation. This commitment included selecting MAN’s high-pressure ME-GI engines, which are highly efficient and, importantly, reduce methane slippage to negligible levels. These vessels will be IMO 2030 compliant years ahead of schedule and will be the cleanest vessels of their category on-the-water today,” said EPS CEO, Cyril Ducau.
MAN Energy Solutions further reports that the engine is the largest and most powerful (MCR 68,640 kW) gas-engine it has produced to date with service experience from ME-GI operators recording a gas-availability rate of greater than 98%, testament to its stability and reliability. The new engine also features a raft of recent, technical developments, including a PVU and Pilot Booster Injection Valve (PBIV), in line with the company’s strategy to increasingly supply more-complete propulsion solutions.
“I am delighted to receive the positive reports from these successful gas-trials where testing has proceeded smoothly according to the plan laid for the engine’s entry into service. I am also very encouraged by the reports of good cylinder conditions. The ME-GI engine is mature technology that has accumulated multiple references in multiple segments and is further improved by the introduction of the PVU, which ensures an optimal integration between the engine and supply system,” added Bjarne Foldager – Senior Vice President and Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions.
HHI-EMD (Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine Machinery Division) announced the completion of the shop test for the first of the six ME-GI engines at the end of January 2020. MAN Energy Solutions reported at that time that the engine had successfully run at 100% load in gas mode during testing, capably handling load-changes and maintaining an impeccable cylinder condition. Without any need for additional testing, the engine also had successfully passed its FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) and performed completely according to expectations, flawlessly handling load-changes and fuel change-overs while maintaining impeccable cylinder conditions.
MAN Energy Solutions states that it has now exceeded 300 references for its dual-fuel portfolio of two-stroke engines – all running on LNG or other clean fuels. ME-GI operational-hours on LNG alone now exceed the 1 million mark.
Source: MAN Energy
