Knutsen Orders MAN Engines for Two LNG Carrier Newbuilds

Norway-based Knutsen OAS Shipping has ordered four MAN B&W 5G70ME-GI engines with EGR systems for its two 180,000 cbm LNG tanker newbuildings.

Upon delivery in 2020, the vessels will transport cargoes worldwide for two unnamed Spanish utility companies.

“These orders are notable in that they are the 6th and 7th such carriers bound for service for Spanish utilities that have been ordered within the past four years alone,” Bjarne Foldager, Vice President Sales & Promotion, Two-Stroke Business at MAN Diesel & Turbo, said.

“As such, our G70ME-GI engine has become a popular choice for LNG carriers globally. This can be attributed in great part to the ME-GI’s embracing of the Diesel principle, which is simply the most effective method of converting gas fuel to propulsion power,” Foldager added.

The order follows the path initiated by Gas Natural Fenosa, the multinational Spanish group that was the pioneer in adopting ME-GI technology in an order for four LNG tankers in 2013, according to MAN.

As informed, the new orders stem from Corpus Christi Liquefaction, LLC – a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy that recently entered into 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) with the two Spanish utilities.

Under the terms of their respective SPAs, the Spanish utilities have agreed to purchase a combined total of over 1 million tons per annum of LNG upon the commencement of operations from the LNG export facility currently being developed near Corpus Christi, Texas.