Leading LPGC owner chooses new technology

MAN Energy Solutions has announced the first retrofit orders for its new MAN B&W ME-LGIP LGP-powered engine. The contract with Oslo-listed BW LPG involves the world’s first retrofitting of four MAN B&W 6G60ME-C9.2 HFO-burning engines to 6G60ME-C9.5-LGIP LPG-propelled dual-fuel engines, plus options for further retrofits in the future. BW LPG expects the first retrofitting to take place in conjunction with scheduled drydockings, starting 2020.

The deal was signed in advance of the official launch of the MAN B&W ME-LGIP engine in Copenhagen on Monday, September 3rd, 2018 with the contract exchanged publically during the event.

In BW LPG’s own press release, CEO Martin Ackermann, said: “BW LPG has been preparing for IMO 2020 for years and today, I am pleased to announce that we have signed contracts for the delivery and retrofitting of four LPG-propelled dual-fuel engines. We will be the global pioneer in operating next-generation, high-tech green ships with dual-fuel propulsion.”

Wayne Jones, Chief Sales Officer and member of the Executive Board, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “The arrival of this order, even before the official launch of the ME-LGIP engine itself, is a sign of how timely the technology is. We expected a strong demand for the engine from very large gas carriers and it has proven to be so. When you add in MAN Energy Solutions’ entire portfolio of dual-fuel engines, we have now confirmed almost 400 projects, all running on clean fuels such as LNG and LPG. This stands as testament to our leadership within this critical market segment.”

Jones continued: “The development of the ME-LGIP engine is one element of what we call the ‘Maritime Energy Transition’. Essentially, it is our call to action to reduce emissions and establish natural gases as the fuels of choice in global shipping. We strongly promote a global ‘turn to gas’, driven by the IMO, and a common approach by the shipping industry and politics to invest in infrastructure development and retrofits. BW LPG will act as an important reference for how to execute dual-fuel propulsion optimally using LPG.”

Pontus Berg, BW LPG’s Senior Vice President of Technical and Operations, said, “The signing of the contracts is a culmination of years of close cooperation and partnership between two companies invested in a cleaner future. BW LPG is proud to have worked alongside MAN Energy Solutions on this project, developing the world’s first LPG-propelled dual-fuel engine that will help reduce the environmental footprint of the maritime industry by using fuel that has a greener emissions profile, including an inherent compliance with all current and future sulphur-oxide emissions regulations.”

For MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division, Michael Petersen – Vice President, MAN PrimeServ Copenhagen – said: “We’re very happy to have won this order plus options. We also see great potential within the LPG carrier segment as a whole for further retrofits with its sizable fleet. The retrofits will benefit the BW LPG vessels both economically and environmentally by giving it access to sulphur-compliant fuel through using the LPG cargo they carry, which has favourable price levels compared with HFO. The cleaner emissions the retrofitted vessels will experience will also be significant, while the growing LPG infrastructure globally will facilitate bunkering.”

About BW LPG

BW LPG is the world’s leading owner and operator of LPG vessels and currently owns and operates 51 Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGC) and Large Gas Carriers (LGC) including two VLGC newbuildings with a total carrying capacity of 4,159,213 CBM. With four decades of operating experience in LPG shipping and experienced seafarers and staff, BW LPG offers a flexible and reliable service to customers. With a global presence in nine countries, BW LPG operates out of Singapore and is incorporated in Bermuda.