TOTE LNG-powered container ship received all-MAN package including main engine, auxiliary engines and turbochargers.
The recent delivery of the world’s first dual-fuel, low-speed ME-GI engine from Doosan Engine to the American National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) set a new, historical milestone in engine technology. The 8L70ME-C8.2-GI main engine is aspirated by 2 × TCA66 turbochargers and will power a 3,100-teu container ship ordered by TOTE, the American marine transportation company. Furthermore, the ship will receive 3 × 9L28/32DF auxiliary engines, each featuring a single TCR18 turbocharger. A second, identical vessel is currently under construction.
With this set-up, TOTE has not only chosen the most environmentally friendly engine technology available, but also the most flexible power solution in that both the ME-GI and 28/32DF engines can run on HFO or gas. Gas operation means a significant reduction in CO2, NOx, particulate matter and SOx emissions – both engines are characterised by having no methane slip. TOTE’s containership is slated to be the first gas-powered containership in the world and will lead the way for additional investments in infrastructure for liquefied natural gas.
Dirk Balthasar, Head of Sales and Promotion – Turbocharger Business Unit – MAN Diesel & Turbo , said: “ Playing a crucial role for a leading developer and builder of two-and four-stroke, low- and medium-speed engines as it does, the Turbocharger Business Unit has a deep understanding of all the core technologies of large engines and the way they interact with turbochargers. The result is world- and market-leading turbocharger technology that easily keeps pace with all innovations and new developments within large diesel technology .”
“ MAN’s engines and turbochargers will allow TOTE to maintain its commitment resourcefulness, reliability, and responsiveness while reducing our impact on the environment, ” noted Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE . “ We are excited to be the world’s first LNG-powered container ship and the first to use MAN’s ME-GI engin e.”
With the TCA66 and TCR18 turbochargers, TOTE has chosen proven products that integrate well with the latest engine technology and match operator’s requirements for long service intervals and straightforward maintenance. To this end, MAN Diesel & Turbo recently announced that not only had it extended the inspection intervals of its TCA turbochargers but, in fact, had totally omitted the previously necessary bearing inspection between major overhauls.
The company also stated that maintenance on its turbochargers can be carried out by the operator’s own crew – after appropriate training – or by MAN PrimeServ, MAN Diesel & Turbo’s global service organisation. “ It’s one of our unique selling points: having chosen an all-MAN package, including main engine, auxiliary engines and turbochargers, TOTE can now enjoy the additional benefit of MAN PrimeServ’s one-stop service for engines and turbochargers, ” Dirk Balthasar concluded.