MAN Energy Solutions has come up with world’s first LPG-powered retrofit of a ship, making new opportunities for zero-carbon fuels in the future.
This new retrofit kit runs primarily on gas- mostly boil-off gas- meeting the Type Approval Test (TAT) and designed so as the energy conversions can be carried out while sailing or dry-docking. As per the TAT, the retrofit kit is suitable for converting MAN Energy Solutions’ MAN 32/40 engine into a dual-fuel unit- that would run on fossil fuel as well as renewable and gaseous fuel, along with the conventional fuel oil.
The main engine of the BW LPG carrier named BW Geminito will operate on both LPG as well as fuel oil, according to the company’s after-sales division MAN PrimeServ.
In a statement, Head of Engineering, After-Sales Marine, Bernd Siebert said that the model will be an important milestone for the retrofit business at MAN Energy Solutions that would offer the customers the ability to convert their current fleet to gas. The reliance towards a less carbon-intensive and cleaner fuel is gaining momentum, he added.
According to Executive Vice President, Technical and Operations, LPG- Pontus Berg, retrofitting would allow them to reduce the carbon footprint since the process would emit up to 97% less CO2 in comparison to a new building construction. Additionally, retrofitting would mean less addition of unwanted tonnage.