MAN Diesel & Turbo said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD) for the development and production of MAN B&W ME-LGIP dual-fuel engines. Upon completion, HHI-EMD will be able to deliver liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuelled, two-stroke-propulsion engines.
With the MoU, LPG joins the list of liquid, environmentally-friendly fuels that can power MAN Diesel & Turbo’s portfolio of two-stroke, dual-fuel engines, which are available from all licensees.
In much the same class as liquefied natural gas (LNG), LPG is an eminently environmentally-friendly fuel and an LPG-fuelled engine will significantly reduce emissions, enabling vessels to meet the stringent IMO SOx emission regulations due to come into force globally from 2020.
“LPG holds great potential as a fuel since it contains no sulphur, is widely available, and easy to bunker. It is therefore becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to other, low-sulphur fuel types,” said Bjarne Foldager – Vice President Sales & Promotion, Two-Stroke Business at MAN Diesel & Turbo.
In addition, MAN Diesel & Turbo said LPG’s future as a viable fuel for marine transportation looks promising as it will not require as large an investment in infrastructure – such as bunkering facilities – in contrast to other, gaseous fuels. Accordingly, the engine manufacturer expects a strong demand for LGIP engines for very large gas carriers (VLGCs) and coastal vessels from their introduction.
MAN Diesel & Turbo said it has received requests from many LPG carrier operators to develop an LPG-fuelled engine that could power LPG carriers in the most viable, convenient and economical way using a fraction of the LPG cargo already onboard.
“MAN Diesel & Turbo has previously experienced strong market interest in using LPG as a fuel aboard LPG carriers, but other shipping segments have also begun investigating this option, a general tendency that is growing,” Foldager said.
MAN Diesel & Turbo reports that it expects the ME-LGIP installation aboard a merchant ship to be extremely competitive price-wise, compared to other, dual-fuel-burning engine types.
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Source: Marine Link
