MAN Energy Solutions says it has won an order to supply the engine for the shipping industry’s first methanol-fueled containership.
The ship, a 2,100 TEU-capacity feeder, is under development for industry giant Maersk and will be constructed at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. With delivery planned in 2023, the ship will be the first dual-fuel, carbon-neutral feeder to sail on green methanol.
“Maersk is displaying great leadership in adopting renewable methanol as part of its decarbonisation strategy – and well ahead of its initial 2030-ambition,” said Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President and Head of Two-Stroke Business, MAN Energy Solutions. “For our part, we are designing dual-fuel technology that meets the growing customer demand for sustainable shipping chains and, here, our ME-LGIM engine plays an important role. It’s particularly pleasing to see it make its debut within the important container segment.”
Maersk announced in February its intention to operate the world’s first carbon neutral containership by 2023, seven years ahead of schedule based Maersk’s initial 2030 ambition and part of Maersk’s long-term goal of achieving a carbon neutral fleet by 2050. The new vessel is planned to fly the Danish flag and will be operated by Sealand Europe, a Maersk company, on a Baltic route between Northern Europe and the Bay of Botnia.
The ship will be equipped with a Tier III-compliant MAN B&W 6G50ME-LGIM (-Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) engine built in South Korea. Upon launch, the vessel will be the first methanol-powered ship that doesn’t carry methanol as cargo.
“Our other ME-LGIM references have proven methanol as a clean, efficient and safe, marine fuel that offers a clear path to decarbonisation through significant greenhouse-gas reductions, when produced from renewable energy sources. In general, as we move towards a zero-carbon future, MAN Energy Solutions’ dual-fuel engine portfolio is well positioned to handle whatever alternative fuels the market brings,” added Foldager.
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