MAN Diesel & Turbo to Supply Engines for MSC’s Record-Breaking Megaships

MSC’s record-breaking MSC Oscar, which has a TEU capacity of 19,224. Photo: ptnphoto / Shutterstock.com

Germany-based MAN Diesel & Turbo says it has won the order to provide both main and auxiliary engines for Mediterranean Shipping Company’s eleven record-breaking 22,000 containerships.

Construction of the ships will be split by Samsung Heavy Industries, who will build six of the vessels, and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), who will build the other five.

Each 22,000 TEU newbuilding will be equipped with a MAN B&W 11G95ME-C9.5 main engine. In addition, MAN Diesel & Turbo will also supply the GenSets for each vessel.

“This order underlines the positive, long-term business relationship between MSC and MAN Diesel & Turbo,” said Bjarne Foldager, Vice President – Sales & Promotion, Two-Stroke Business – MAN Diesel & Turbo. “It’s a significant order that cements our strong position within the large containership segment where the G-type is the market’s preferred engine.”

The ‘G’ prefix means the engine is designed a design with an ultra-long stroke that reduces engine speed, thereby paving the way for ship designs with unprecedented high-efficiency.

“G-type engines’ longer stroke results in a lower rpm for the engine driving the propeller. This lower optimum engine speed allows the use of a larger propeller and is, ultimately, significantly more efficient in terms of engine propulsion. Together with an optimised engine design, this means that the MSC newbuildings will enjoy a reduced fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions,” the company said in a statement.

With today’s order, MAN Diesel & Turbo has sold a total of 71 G95 engines, of which 23 have already entered service.

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI-EMD) will construct the ME-C engines for SHI, while Doosan Engine will construct those for DSME. all to be constructed by STX Engine in Korea. The GenSets, meanwhile, will be constructed by STX Engine in South Korea.

MSC confirmed the order for the eleven 22,000 TEU capacity ships last September. The final vessel in the eleven-ship series is due for delivery by March 15, 2020.

Currently, the 21,413 TEU capacity OOCL Hong Kong holds the title of world’s biggest containership by carrying capacity.

French shipping giant CMA CGM has orders place for nine 22,000 TEU containerships at three China State Shipbuilding Corporation shipyards in China. Delivery of those vessels will commence in 2019.