FEBRUARY 6, 2013 — The world's first MAN B&W 7G80ME-C9.2 ultra long stroke engine passed its official shop test last month at Korea's HHI-EMD, the engine and machinery division of Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The shop test proceeded as expected and was a success. Engineers from MAN Diesel & Turbo took part in the entire prototype process, culminating with the very first engine start on January 10, the official shop test on January 16, and an overhaul inspection the following day.

The engine is bound for a Greek customer – Almi Tankers – and will power a VLCC due for delivery by the Daewoo shipyard in May of this year with sea trials taking place in April. The new engine is the first of two in an identical package ordered by Almi with a second VLCC scheduled for delivery from the shipbuilder in December of this year.

Traditionally, super-long-stroke S-type engines, with relatively low engine speeds, have been applied as prime movers in tankers. The G-type engines have an even longer stroke.

"Following the efficiency optimization trends in the market, the possibility of using even larger propellers has been thoroughly evaluated with a view to using engines with even lower speeds for propulsion of particularly VLCCs," says Ole Grøne, MAN Diesel & Turbo Senior VP Low-Speed Promotion & Sales. "The new, ultra long stroke G80ME-C9 engine type meets this trend in the VLCC market."

"We now have around 100 G-type engines on order, including the container and bulker segments, which is a successful introduction," notes Mr. Grøne

It is estimated that VLCC designs optimized for the larger propellers that can be used with ultra long stroke engines offer potential fuel-consumption savings of some 4-7%, and a similar reduction in CO2 emissions. Simultaneously, the engine itself can achieve a high thermal efficiency using the latest engine process parameters and design features.

The G-type program was introduced to the market in October 2010 with the G80ME-C9 model. MAN Diesel & Turbo subsequently expanded the ultra-long-stroke programme in May 2011 with the addition of G70ME-C9, G60ME-C9 and G50ME-B9 models. The G-types have designs that follow the principles of the large-bore Mk-9 engine series that MAN Diesel & Turbo introduced in 2006. Their longer stroke reduces engine speed, thereby paving the way for ship designs with unprecedented high efficiency.