World News
MAN Announces World's First Methanol-Propulsion OGV
MAN Diesel & Turbo (MAN) Monday announced that what it says are the world's first ocean going vessels (OGV) capable of methanol propulsion are soon to be launched, noting that the engine technology will provide shipowners with a viable, efficient, and convenient alternative to conventional bunkers that is capable of delivering significant emissions reductions.
MAN says seven "innovative, clean-burning, and fuel-efficient" 50,000 DWT vessels will be 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.
"With the growing demand for cleaner marine fuel to meet environmental regulations, methanol is a promising alternative fuel for ships that can meet the industry's increasingly stringent emissions regulations," stated MAN.
"Methanol is a biodegradable, clean-burning marine fuel that reduces smog-causing emissions such as particulates, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides."
MAN says the vessels will be launched in partnership with Waterfront Shipping Company Ltd. (WFS), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Westfal-Larsen Management (WL), and Marinvest/Skagerack Invest (Marinvest).
"MAN developed these 2-stroke engines in response to interest from the shipping world to operate on alternatives to heavy fuel oil and meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. To hedge the risk of fuel price volatility, the vessels can switch between fuels, and operate cost-effectively," explained Ole Grøne, MAN's Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing and Sales.
MOL is slated to take delivery of its dual-fuel vessel in Japan on April 22, says MAN, while WL will take delivery of its two vessels, one of which is a joint venture with WFS and Marinvest, in South Korea on April 20 and 28.
In July, MOL announced its order for methanol-powered carriers as part of its overall environmental strategy.
While MAN says these will be the world's first methanol-powered OGVs, vessels powered by methanol bunkers are not new.
Last year Stena Line converted one of its Ro-Pax ships, Stena Germanica, to use methanol bunkers.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 625.00 | 9.00 | 732.00 | 15.00 |
| Rotterdam | 577.50 | 3.50 | 739.50 | 1.00 |
| Houston | 595.00 | 0.50 | 767.00 | 4.50 |
| Fujairah | 628.50 | 4.00 | 878.50 | 11.00 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 645.50 | 0.50 | 827.00 | 5.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 606.50 | 0.50 | 779.50 | 0.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 703.50 | 4.00 | 886.00 | 6.00 |
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