BW LPG expresses confidence after successful ME-LGIP TAT

MAN Energy Solutions has announced that Oslo-listed BW LPG, the first shipowner to place retrofit orders for the MAN B&W ME-LGIP LPG-powered engine, has now exercised an option in the initial contract and ordered a further four retrofits.

World’s First LPG-Retrofit Order Exercises Option for Four Additional Engines

The initial contract covered 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. BW LPG has ordered the extra retrofits on the back of a successful TAT (Type Approval Test) for the first ME-LGIP (Liquid Gas Injection Propane) retrofit engine, performed recently at the works of MAN Energy Solutions’ two-stroke licensee, STX HI, in Korea.

The original deal was signed in advance of the official launch of the MAN B&W ME-LGIP engine in Copenhagen in September 2018 with the contract exchanged publicly during the event.

Pontus Berg, Executive Vice President, Technical and Operations at BW LPG, said: "Increasing BW LPG’s total investment to eight dual-fuel propulsion engines is part of our corporate commitment to sustainable development. Through investments in pioneering propulsion technology, BW LPG modernizes its exisiting fleet and reduces our overall environmental impact.  BW LPG is pleased to work in partnership with MAN Energy Solutions, and we congratulate the team on the sucessful TAT, where performance has exceeded expectatations. We believe that through such partnerships, BW LPG will be able to provide industry-leading customer service and generate better returns for our shareholders, while taking a leading role in the world’s transition towards cleaner energy."

Wayne Jones OBE, Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “BW LPG obviously likes what it has seen and the TAT has proven the great potential of the ME-LGIP engine. Its development is just one element of what we call the ‘Maritime Energy Transition’, our call to action to reduce emissions and establish green fuels within global shipping. MAN Energy Solutions’ entire portfolio of dual-fuel engines has now confirmed over 400 projects, all running on clean fuels such as LNG and LPG, testament to our leadership within this critical market segment.”

Jens Seeberg, Head of Retrofit & Upgrades at MAN Energy Solutions, Two-Stroke said: “The results of the TAT are very encouraging. The arrival of the orignal order – even before the official launch of the ME-LGIP engine itself – was a strong sign of how timely the technology is. BW LPG will act as an important reference for how to execute dual-fuel propulsion optimally using LPG.”

Brian Østergaard Sørensen, Vice President and Head of R&D Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions – added: “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 them 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. I would like to thank our licensee STX HI for their support and cooperation in this successful Type Approval Test for the first MAN B&W ME-LGIP engine.”

Source: MAN