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Norwegian operator Knutsen OAS Shipping has ordered four MAN B&W 5G70ME-GI engines with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems in connection with the construction of two 180,000-cubic-metre LNG tanker newbuilds.

Upon delivery in 2020, the vessels will be used to transport cargoes worldwide for two Spanish utility companies. The order follows the path initiated by Gas Natural Fenosa - the multinational Spanish group that was the first to adopt ME-GI technology in an order for four LNG tankers in 2013.

Bjarne Foldager, Vice President Sales & Promotion, Two-Stroke Business at MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: "These orders are notable in that they are the sixth and seventh such carriers bound for service for Spanish utilities that have been ordered within the past four years alone. As such, our G70ME-GI engine has become a popular choice for LNG carriers globally. This can be attributed in great part to the ME-GI's embracing of the diesel principle, which is simply the most effective method of converting gas fuel to propulsion power."

The new orders stem from Corpus Christi Liquefaction, LLC, a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc., which recently entered into 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) with the two Spanish utilities. Under the terms of their respective SPAs, the Spanish utilities agreed to purchase a combined total of over one million tonnes per annum of LNG upon the commencement of operations from the LNG export facility currently being developed near Corpus Christi, Texas.

ME-GI engine

The ME-GI engine gives shipowners and operators the option of using either heavy fuel oil (HFO) or gas - predominantly natural gas.

The ME-GI is a diesel engine in contrast to the other dual- or triple-fuel engines on the market, which are Otto engines.

"Simply put, engines that operate according to the diesel principle have a higher efficiency and power concentration than those following the Otto principle," MAN Diesel & Turbo said.

"MAN Diesel & Turbo sees significant opportunities arising for gas-fuelled tonnage as fuel prices rise and modern exhaust-emission limits tighten. Indeed, research indicates that the ME-GI engine delivers significant reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions. Furthermore, the ME-GI engine's negligible methane slip makes it the most environmentally-friendly technology available. As such, the ME-GI engine represents a highly efficient, flexible, propulsion-plant solution," MAN Diesel & Turbo added.

In May 2017, an ME-GIE variant passed operational tests running on ethane, while an ME-LGI counterpart to the ME-GI that runs on LPG, methanol and other liquid gasses has also been introduced to the market.

Last April marked one-year since Waterfront Shipping welcomed the first of seven methanol-fuelled ocean-going tankers powered by the ME-LGI into its fleet.