MAN Energy Solutions has begun testing the world's first commercial two-stroke dual-fuel engine running on liquefied gas and ammonia (LGIA). Testing is taking place at the Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding plant in Tamano, Japan
We are talking about the MAN B&W 7S60ME-LGIA Mk. 10.5 engine, which, after testing, will be installed on a 200,000 dwt bulk carrier being built at Imabari Shipbuilding. The vessel will be equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system from MAN that complies with the IMO Tier III standard
The project is being implemented at the request of a joint venture between K-Line, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd and Itochu Corp., which specializes in the transportation of bulk cargo
The ME-LGIA series of engines with various cylinder diameters - from 500 to 800 mm - is expected to be on the market by the end of next year. These developments are seen as a key step towards carbon-free shipping, making ammonia one of the most promising alternative fuels for maritime transport.