Engine to Power World's First Dual-Fuel Containership Delivered to Shipyard

The gas engine that will soon power TOTE’s new Marlin-class containerships has been delivered to General Dynamics’ NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, CA, marking another milestone in the construction of the world’s first LNG-powered containership.

South Korea’s Doosan Engine, under license from MAN Diesel and Turbo, delivered the first 8L70ME-GI engine for TOTE’s 3,100-TEU Marlin Class containership this week. The engine also marks the premiere of Man Diesel’s new ME-GI engine, which is a gas-injected, dual-fuel, low-speed diesel engine that can run on both gas or fuel oil and is said to be a significant advancement in propulsion technology.

The MAN B&W 8L70ME-GI engine pictured at Doosan’s Changwon works in Korea. Photo courtesy Doosan Engine

In addition to the engines, two 900 cubic meter tanks, manufactured by Cryos, were also delivered. These massive stainless steel cryogenic tanks weigh 380 tons each and will store liquefied natural gas aboard the Marlin ships.

“The arrival of the dual-fuel main engine and LNG tanks at the NASSCO shipyard marks a milestone in the lead ship construction as well as a landmark in the era of green ship technology,” says NASSCO Program Manager for the TOTE Marlin Class, Eric Icke.

The TOTE ME-GI engine will primarily operate on LNG, which will help the vessels among the most environmentally friendly containerships in the world. The first vessel is nearly 40 percent complete and the start of construction on the second Marlin vessel began in late May.

An illustration of TOTE's Marlin-class. Image (c) TOTE — An illustration of TOTE’s Marlin-class. Image (c) TOTE

Delivery of the Marlin-class ships is expected for late 2015 and early 2016. The new ships will operate in the U.S. Jones Act market between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. TOTE’s contract with NASSCO includes options for up to three additional ships.