World News
DNV GL CEO: Methanol Bunkers "Promising" Solution for ECA Operation
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO at DNV GL – Maritime, Thursday said methanol bunkers offer a "promising" solution for those operating vessels within Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
"Methanol as a marine fuel is a very promising option to enable owners to reduce the environmental impact of their vessels and to comply with low sulfur and ECA regulations and we look forward to working on many more projects using this innovative marine fuel and technology," said Ørbeck-Nilssen.
The comments came as part of a DNV GL announcement that the Lindanger, capable of methanol propulsion - one of seven such newbuild vessels - had been delivered to global marine transportation company Waterfront Shipping Company Ltd. (WFS).
As Ship & Bunker reported last week, MAN Diesel & Turbo (MAN) announced that the seven "innovative, clean-burning, and fuel-efficient" 50,000 DWT vessels are being built with the "first-of-its kind" MAN B&W ME-LGI 2-stroke dual fuel engines, capable of running on methanol, fuel oil, marine diesel oil, or gas oil.
Lindanger is said to be the first of seven vessels that will be chartered by WFS throughout 2016, with four of those vessels built to DNV GL class.
"We are very pleased to see the completion and launch of this exciting and innovative newbuilding," said Ørbeck-Nilssen, adding "this is the first time a dual-fuel engine with a Low Flashpoint Liquid (LFL) fuel system has been installed on an ocean-going vessel and it is a testament to the excellent cooperation between all the project partners that we have been able to complete this unique project and gain flag state approval."
As Ship & Bunker previously reported, MOL is slated to take delivery of its dual-fuel vessel in Japan on April 22.