MAN Diesel has developed a new, Type K80ME-C9 two-stroke, low-speed engine. The ME-C9 engine recently passed the final milestone on its way to commercial applications in the marine sector with a successful Type Approval Test (TAT).
The first production version of the MAN B&W-branded engine successfully completed its TAT programme at Hyundai's (HHI-EMD) works in Ulsan, Korea. HHI-EMD's two-stroke engine assembly and test shop #2 was the venue for the test and hosted representatives from the shipyard, ship owner and classification societies.
The MAN B&W 7K80ME-C9 engine develops 31,710kW at 104rpm and is destined for a vessel operated by the AP Møller Mærsk group that also includes Waste Heat Recovery technology.
The ME-C9 engine enhances the green credentials of the same vessel that can also boast of a highly efficient waste-heat recovery system. The engine is the first of four large-bore, Mk. 9 engines, all displaying high power density, and due for production during 2009.
The four engines are based on MAN Diesel's mechanical MC and MC-C engine range technologies. Broadly speaking, the ME-concept represents an upgrade of the mechanical engines with electronic controls that provide improved, operational economy and flexibility, better manoeuvrability and easier overhauls.
"A major advantage is its ability to operate at even very low load for indefinite periods of time, whilst offering a substantial reduction in fuel-oil consumption compared with conventional engines at such low loads," said Søren Jensen, Vice President and Head of Research and Development, Marine Low-Speed, MAN Diesel.
"During testing, the performance of the 7K80ME-C9 engine, an engine that is fully compatible with IMO Tier-II regulations, exceeded expectations and delivered a lower fuel-consumption than we anticipated."
Mr Jensen added that this new engine type had a 20 percent higher power density compared with the previous mark.
"We have been able to achieve this using a new construction and calculation methodology as we now have more know-how in terms of where to distribute weight," he said.
For further information contact: