MAN supplies engines for largest-ever container ships
The HMM Algeciras is currently the biggest container ship in the world (Source: Yantian International Container Terminals)
The first in a series of twelve ultra large container ships, the 23,964-TEU HMM Algeciras, equipped with a MAN Energy Solutions main engine, was launched recently at Daewoo’s Okpo yard in South Korea.
Its MAN B&W 11G95ME-C engine, capable of developing 6,870 kW per cylinder, is the most powerful unit ever developed by the engine company’s two-stroke business. However, output has been adjusted downwards to achieve optimal fuel consumption. The 2,230-tonne unit is 22m long and 18m high.
The engine has been built on a new Mk 10 platform, an update to the earlier Mk 9. The latest setup incorporates performance improvements including lower fuel consumption and emission reductions of up to 51% compared with previous generations of container vessels, MAN said. “We closely follow market trends and this opportunity comes at a time when modern shipping is placing new demands on engine developers,” said MAN Energy Solutions’ Wayne Jones OBE, chief sales officer and member of the Executive Board. “Our new engine platform is designed to meet and even exceed such challenges. As we are able to support such a prestigious vessel with this groundbreaking technology and it’s the first in a series of ships, it is very positive and important for us.”
The 400m-long HMM Algeciras will be deployed on the world’s largest container trade lane between Asia and Europe. A further six vessels are due to be built by Daewoo while Samsung will construct the other five. All twelve ships are due for delivery this year.
