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MAN Diesel & Turbo has announced that it is pledging a EUR 2 million discount on retrofits to convert existing heavy fuel oil (HFO) engines into gas-powered engines.

The offer was made by Wayne Jones, Chief Sales Officer at MAN Diesel & Turbo, during last week's 'Our Ocean 2017 Conference' in Malta.

In the pledge, Jones said that the EUR 2 million discount would be available for 10 LNG retrofits.

Speaking from the floor, Jones explained that his company had set a "new benchmark" with the world's first conversion of a container ship from conventional fuel to gas operation, adding: "In order to encourage more ship owners to follow this example, MAN Diesel & Turbo is pledging a 2 million Euro discount for 10 such LNG-retrofits to convert existing HFO engines into modern, clean, efficient gas-engines. In doing so, we hope to play our part in moving the world's fleet towards the clean technology our industry and our oceans deserve."

"We clearly recognise that our interests are best served by ensuring that the world's oceans remain in robust, good health. MAN Diesel & Turbo believes that it is time for what we call a 'Maritime Energy Transition' to find clean solutions for seaborne trade and transportation," he added.

Hosted by the European Union's Karmenu Vella - EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries - the conference brought together statesmen, government ministers and industry leaders from around the world to look at strategies to preserve the world's oceans.

Topics covered during the event included climate change, marine pollution, sustainable fisheries, sustainable blue economies, marine protection areas and maritime security.