MAN Diesel & Turbo has reported that its new ME-GI engine has now received over 100 orders.
This includes an order from FLEX LNG, who announced the two-stroke slow-speed ME-GI main engines as the propulsion system for two LNG carriers to be built at Samsung Heavy Industries. The expected delivery dates of these vessels have been postponed until at least 2017.
The first two ME-GI units (MAN B&W 8L70ME-GI types) recently passed their Factory Acceptance Tests in Korea, and have now been installed aboard two 3,100TEU container vessels currently under construction in the United States.
The engine gives shipowners and operators the option of utilising fuel or gas, depending on relative price and availability, as well as environmental considerations. The ME-GI uses high-pressure gas injection and is not affected by the multiple de-ratings, fuel-quality adjustments or large methane-slip issues as have been seen with other, dual-fuel solutions. Moreover, the ME-GI engine's negligible methane slip makes it considerably environmentally friendly. An ME-LGI counterpart that uses LPG, methanol and other liquid gasses is also available, and has already been ordered.