Largest Russian shipowner Sovcomflot will have two LNG carriers built with an option for another two. For the vessels’ propulsion, the company selected the dual-fuel MAN 51/60DF engine.
The dual-fuel diesel electric propulsion system and the MAN 51/60DF engine have been selected to provide the vessel with an efficient and low emission propulsion system, especially when running in gas mode. A high degree of redundancy and the engine’s multiple fuelling options have been also taken into account.
LNG Carriers in Operation by the End of 2013
The vessels are currently under construction at STX Offshore & Shipbuilding in South Korea and will each be driven by sets of two 8L and two 9L51/60DF engines. The engines will be built at MAN Diesel & Turbo’s Augsburg plant in Germany with delivery to the Korean yard due in the fourth quarter of 2012. The first vessel is subsequently expected to commence commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2013.
First 51/60DF Order for LNG Carrier
The first 51/60DF order for a marine application was signed in 2007 for the LNG carrier Castillo de Santisteban with five 8L51/60DF units owned by Spanish shipowner Empresa Naviera Elcano S.A. This vessel has successfully operated commercially since summer 2010 in the transport of LNG worldwide.
Picture: Graphical rendering of one of the Sovcomflot newbuilding LNG carriers
