Singapore: MAN ES ammonia dual-fuel engines to be fitted in EPS-managed newbuilds
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by Admin
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Wednesday (6 September) said it signed several memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI), and yards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to collaborate on the development of ammonia burning engines that will be fitted to a new fleet of EPS- managed vessels, catalysing efforts towards the industry’s net zero CO2 emission targets.
The ammonia dual-fuel engines will be fitted in a fleet of EPS-managed Newcastlemaxes and Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) slated for delivery from 2026 onwards.
EPS CEO Cyril Ducau, said: “We have been talking about energy transition and lowering emissions for years. Today, we are ready to talk about zero-emission solutions. The ammonia engines by MAN ES will be an inflection point for the maritime industry. In the next few years, we expect to operate vessels with significantly reduced emissions running on ammonia.”
“Dual-fuel engines like LNG, LPG, and ethane will still play a significant role in various segments. However, with this engine, it will mean that this will be the first time that ocean going vessels will take a significant step towards zero carbon emissions. This is an extremely exciting time for all of us.”
MAN ES Senior Vice President and head of two-stroke Bjarne Foldager, said: “MAN ES is pleased to be developing these state-of-the-art engines for EPS. This is a significant milestone for MAN ES, EPS, and the maritime industry. Together, we will show that ammonia is a commercially viable option for ship owners and managers to become IMO compliant years ahead of schedule. MAN ES looks forward to playing its role in creating a cleaner shipping industry by helping our partners substantially lower their carbon footprint.”
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Chief Executive Teo Eng Dih, said: “MPA is actively investigating the use of ammonia for international shipping and is glad to be part of this collaborative effort. The next few years will be critical as we work with partners to examine ways to de-risk the application and operation for ammonia-fuelled vessels, and enhance the development of low and zero carbon solutions. We look forward to working closely with EPS and partners to study the ammonia engine design and operations to support the development of new safety guidelines and standards, port preparations, training and emergency response plans.”
Joining EPS and MAN ES in signing one of the MoUs are MPA and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and in the other two MoUs, Lloyd’s Register, Qingdao Beihai Shipyard (where the EPS-managed Newcastlemaxes will be built) and Jiangnan Shipyard (where the EPS-managed VLACs will be built) all of which will be fitted with the MAN ES ammonia engines.
The announcement comes a year after EPS, HHI, and ABS signed a similar MoU for the construction of a series of mid or large gas carriers.
Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 6 September, 2023
