MAN’s most powerful engine yet powers giant containership
Written by Nick BlenkeyHMM’s new series of twelve 23,964 TEU ultra large containerships will each be powered by an MAN B&W G95ME-C10.5 low-speed main engine. As we reported earlier, the first of these ships, the HMM Algeciras was recently launched and is set to become the world’s largest containership, measuring 399.9 meters long and with a beam of 61 meters and depth of 33.2 meters,
Its engine is also a record setter. The ME-C Mk 10.5 type is the most powerful engine ever developed by MAN Energy Solutions’ Two-Stroke business and is capable of delivering 6,870 kW per cylinder, though the power delivery has been adjusted downwards to achieve an optimal fuel consumption. Physically, the engine measures almost 22 meters in length with a height of 18 meters and a weight of 2,230 metric tons.
“We closely follow market trends and this opportunity comes at a time when modern shipping is placing new demands on engine developers,” said Wayne Jones, Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board, MAN Energy Solutions. “Our new engine platform is designed to meet and even exceed such challenges. As we are able to support such a prestigious vessel with this groundbreaking technology and it’s the first in a series of ships, is very positive and important for us.”
The MAN B&W 11G95ME-C engine has been built on a new Mk 10.5 platform, representing an update of its Mk 9.5 predecessor with improvements in performance, fuel consumption, emissions and cylinder condition. Among other features, the platform/engine comes equipped with MAN Energy Solutions’ new fuel-booster injection valve (FBIV), and top-controlled exhaust valve (TCEV).
The HMM Algeciras will obtain a reduction of 51% in CO2 emissions, compared with previous generations of container vessels, with the help of the new engine.
“The market has been asking for an engine with the capability to handle the propulsion of today’s gigantic containerships and we feel that this new platform delivers in every technical regard, said Bjarne Foldager – Senior Vice President, Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions. “It is truly pleasing that it has proven itself aboard such a noteworthy vessel.”
The HMM Algeciras is the first of seven ships of its type on order at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) Okpo shipyard in Geoje, Korea. Fellow South Korean building giant, Samsung Heavy Industries, will build five more. All twelve vessels are scheduled for delivery during 2020.
HSD Engine Co. Ltd. built the new engine in South Korea. The vessel is equipped with a hybrid exhaust-gas scrubber that can run with both open and closed circuits, enabling compliance with IMO 2020 fuel regulations.