Korean ship-owner, Ilshin, and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard have signed a contract for the construction of an LNG-fuelled, 50,000 dwt bulk carrier. The vessel will be powered by a dual-fuel MAN B&W 6G50ME-C9.5-GI engine, to be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries - Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD) who will also supply the ME-GI and fuel gas supply system.
POSCO, the multinational steel-making company headquartered in Pohang, South Korea, has already agreed to charter the newbuilding upon delivery, and will use the vessel to transport limestone for its operations. POSCO will deliver the LNG fuel tank, which will be made of high-manganese steel as an alternative material to the currently widely used nickel alloy.
The ME-GI engine represents the culmination of many years’ work, and depending on relative price and availability, as well as environmental considerations, the ME-GI engine gives ship-owners and operators the option of using either HFO or gas – predominantly natural. The properties of the ME-GI engine series make it the most environmental friendly technology available for marine propulsion.