- MAN PrimeServ has announced the successful conversion of the main engine aboard the LPG carrier BW Gemini.
- The conversion is from an MAN B&W 6G60ME-C9.2 type to an MAN B&W 6G60ME- LGIP dual-fuel type capable of operating on fuel oil and LPG.
- MAN PrimeServ’s dual-fuel expertise helped BW LPG to get a clear picture of the economics involved in the ambitious retrofit project.
MAN ES announces world’s First LPG-Retrofit, reads the company press release.
BW Gemini
MAN PrimeServ, MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division, has announced the successful conversion of the main engine aboard the LPG carrier, ‘BW Gemini,’ from an MAN B&W 6G60ME-C9.2 type to an MAN B&W 6G60ME- LGIP dual-fuel type capable of operating on fuel oil and LPG. The BW Gemini is part of the fleet of Oslo-listed BW LPG.
First duel engine powered vessel
The successful conversion and start of gas and sea trials will make the BW Gemini the world’s first commercial vessel to be propelled by a two-stroke LPG dual-fuel engine.
The conversion is the first of 12 ordered by BW LPG for a series of vessels in its fleet. BW LPG chose retrofits over newbuildings for a number of reasons.
Retrofitting to cut short carbon footprint
Pontus Berg, executive vice president, technical and operations, LPG, said: “Retrofitting allows us to minimise our carbon footprint – the process emits up to 97 per cent less carbon dioxide compared to a newbuilding construction. Retrofitting also means that we do not add additional tonnage that the world does not need.”
He added, “In addition, BW LPG’s fleet is already widely recognised amongst charterers for its efficiency, and so retrofitting 12 of its vessels to dual-fuel LPG would help to further reinforce the company’s strong reputation in this area.”
Dr Uwe Lauber, chief executive officer of MAN Energy Solutions, said: “The industry is moving towards a zero-carbon future and there is a strong global push towards sustainability. As we pass the 2020 sulphur cap and get closer to future IMO targets in 2030 and 2050, companies that show strong corporate commitment to sustainability will become more commercially attractive. In this context, this retrofit project represents an important milestone and case study for the future of our industry.”
Dual fuel expertise
Wayne Jones OBE, chief sales officer and member of the executive board, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “MAN PrimeServ’s dual-fuel expertise helped BW LPG to get a clear picture of the economics involved in this ambitious retrofit project.”
He added, “Although it requires significant upfront investment, the returns will be positive in both financial and environmental terms, and showcase perfectly BW LPG’s commitment to action on sustainability. It also displays the adaptability of MAN Energy Solutions’ technology and how retrofitting our engines can future-proof them to handle whatever alternative fuels come to prominence in the decades ahead.”
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Source: MAN ES
