MAN Energy Secures Order for ME-LGIM Methanol Engines

MAN Energy Solutions will deliver three MAN B&W 7G50ME-C9.6 liquid-gas injection methanol (LGIM) engines to Japan-based Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. These engines will be installed on three 81,200 dwt bulk carriers owned by the Danish shipping company, J. Lauritzen. Each ME-LGIM will contain MAN Energy’s exhaust gas recirculation bypass (EGRBP) technology to achieve emissions reduction. MITSUI E&S will manufacture these engines in Japan.

“We are currently experiencing a wave of ME-LGIM orders and it is great to see J. Lauritzen joining the decarbonization journey,” said Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, MAN Energy Solutions. “While car carriers have been to the fore recently, we expect methanol to figure prominently as a future fuel across all vessel segments and these new-buildings will be capable of trading carbon-neutrally when powered by green methanol and bio-fuel oils.”

MAN B&W 7G50ME-C9.6 liquid-gas injection methanol engine; Image Credits: MAN Energy Solutions

The J. Lauritzen bulk carriers—Kamsarmax vessels—are fully methanol-capable and owned by Lauritzen NexGen Shipping. J. Lauritzen and a subsidiary, Lauritzen Bulkers A/S, will use these carriers as a foundation for further investments in assets that support zero-carbon emissions in the shipping industry. The Kamsarmax vessels have been ordered in collaboration with the American global food corporation, Cargill. This company has signed a contract to operate the carriers for a minimum period of 7 years.

“With more than 160 orders and 500,000 running hours accumulated on methanol, the ME-LGIM engine is proven technology and the industry standard for the methanol propulsion of large merchant-marine vessels,” said Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Promotion and Customer Support, MAN Energy Solutions. “As the engines are readily available and methanol dual-fuel types have a lower capital outlay compared to other, alternative fuel-propulsion solutions for ships, we expect to get further orders within the bulk-carrier segment over the coming months and years.”