MAN Primeserv to retrofit LPG carrier pair to dual-fuel operation

MAN Primeserv said the parallel retrofits of Gas Gemini and Gas Aquarius’ MAN B&W 6G60ME-C engines mark a first for the company, as they will be carried out jointly with CSSC Marine Power Group’s after-sales subsidiary CSSC Marine Service Co. Ltd. (CMS).

After the retrofit, the vessels’ MAN B&W 6G60ME-LGIP will be capable of running on LPG, with the savings and environmental benefits that entails. MAN said LPG as a fuel reduces SOx emissions by 99%, particulate emissions by 90%, CO2 by 15% and NOx by 10%.

Klaus Rasmussen, Head of Projects and PVU Sales, MAN PrimeServ, said: “In order to decarbonise the existing maritime fleet, switching to low-carbon fuel is the most effective tool. In this context, dual-fuel retrofits represent an eminent way for owners to maintain their assets’ value for years to come. Specifically, in the case of Very Large Gas Carriers, their ability to operate off their own cargo makes for a very positive business case.

"Tianjin Southwest has already ordered six vessels powered by ME-LGIP main engines and LPG is well on its way to becoming the standard in this segment. Currently, we estimate that there are 154 VLGCs with single-fuel engine technology that could benefit from conversion to LPG-running.”

Tao Guohua, Vice President, CSSC Marine Power Group, said: “I do believe that the emerging engine-retrofit market will be a new area for MAN Energy Solutions to strengthen the existing close cooperation between us. We are also keenly looking forward to building a strategic cooperation with MAN Energy Solutions in this market and to further extend our co-operation into more portfolios.”

Related:BW LPG says LPG-fuelled vessels will save 1m tons of CO2 emissions