MAN, Hyundai To Develop LPG Two Strokes

MAN Diesel & Turbo said it has entered into an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD) for the development and production of dual-fuel engines for marine applications.

Under the agreement, HHI-EMD will be deliver liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fueled, two-stroke-propulsion engines.

“MAN Diesel & Turbo has previously experienced strong market interest in using LPG as a fuel aboard LPG carriers, but other shipping segments have also begun investigating this option, a general tendency that is growing,” said Bjarne Foldager, vice president Sales & Promotion, Two-Stroke Business at MAN Diesel & Turbo. “LPG holds great potential as a fuel since it contains no sulfur, is widely available, and easy to bunker. It is therefore becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to other, low-sulfur fuel types. We have a long tradition of technical cooperation with our licensees and we are looking forward to working with Hyundai on this exciting project.”

With the memorandum, LPG joins the list of liquid fuels that can power MAN Diesel & Turbo’s portfolio of two-stroke, dual-fuel engines, which are available from all licensees. MAN Diesel & Turbo also expects the ME-LGIP installation aboard a merchant ship to be extremely competitive price-wise, compared to other, dual-fuel-burning engine types.

Due to ever more stringent emission limits, many LPG carrier operators called for MAN Diesel & Turbo to develop an LPG-fueled engine that could power LPG carriers in the most viable, convenient and economical way using a fraction of the LPG cargo already onboard.

MAN Diesel & Turbo said that LPG is an eminently environmentally-friendly fuel, in much the same class as liquefied natural gas (LNG), and an LPG-fueled engine will significantly reduce emissions, enabling vessels to meet the stringent IMO SO_x emission regulations due to come into force globally starting in 2020.

LPG’s future as a viable fuel for marine transportation looks promising as it will not require as large an investment in infrastructure – such as bunkering facilities – in contrast to other, gaseous fuels, the company said. Accordingly, MAN Diesel & Turbo expects a strong demand for LGIP engines for very large gas carriers (VLGCs) and coastal vessels from their introduction.