Germany’s MAN Diesel & Turbo (MAN) has joined SEALNG, a multi-sector industry coalition aiming at accelerating the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel.
As a provider of large-bore diesel and gas engines and turbomachinery, MAN’s technical expertise “will augment those of existing SEALNG member OEMs” (original equipment manufacturers) Wärtsilä and GTT.
SEA/LNG said that MAN’s increased focus in the field of converting existing vessels to operate using LNG fuel is exemplified in its role in the world’s first conversion of a container ship’s propulsion system from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to LNG.
The dual-fuel conversion saw the 1,036 TEU feeder container ship Wes Amelie retrofitted in August 2017 to a multi-fuel, four-stroke unit that enables dual-fuel operation – significantly reducing its SOx emissions by more than 99%, NOx by approximately 90%, and CO2 by up to 20%.
In October 2017, MAN pledged an EUR 2 million (USD 2.3 million) discount to convert 10 HFO engines into gas engines as part of its drive to find clean solutions for seaborne trade and transportation.
“Combining expertise in infrastructure, finance, regulation, and technical areas are all essential if LNG is going to fulfil its full potential as a marine fuel today and into the future,” Peter Keller, SEALNG chairman and executive vice president, Tote, said.