Korean shipowner, Ilshin, and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard have signed a contract for the construction of an LNG-fuelled, 50,000 dwt bulk carrier, a world first for the segment.

World's First LNG-Powered Bulker Announced

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.

MAN Diesel & Turbo claims the ME-GI engine – in contrast to competing engines – has only a negligible, unburnt gas slip, consequently adding very little to the greenhouse effects of such slips. In addition, the diesel combustion principle leaves no formaldehyde emissions.

In June, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) signed new contracts to build two ME-GI engine-powered LNG carriers for Maran Gas Maritime. Each of the carriers will be fitted with MAN B&W 2 x 5G70ME-C9.5-GI engines, fulfilling IMO Tier III compliance requirements.

World's First LNG-Powered Bulker Announced

Source: maritime-executive.com