Odfjell ASA have ordered a dedicated electronically-controlled engine from MAN Diesel A/S , a 7-cylinder S50ME-C model to be manufactured at the group's Alpha Diesel factory in Frederikshavn, Denmark.
Norwegian owner Odfjell ASA has specified the engine to power a 37,500 dwt chemical tanker newbuilding due from the Norwegian yard Kleven Floro AS in the fall of 2003. The 7S50ME-C will be the first MAN Diesel two-stroke diesel engine to be built from the start purely with fully integrated electronic control systems that eliminate the traditional camshaft.
Odfjell ASA appreciates the capabilities of the technology since a 6L60MC/ME engine has been running successfully for almost a year in electronic mode in their tanker Bow Cecil, whose crew is very enthusiastic about the concept.
Planned for delivery by MAN Diesel, Frederikshavn Works, in spring 2003, the 7S50ME-C engine will have an output of 10,415 kW at 120 r/min and offer all the inherent advantages of electronic control, notably:
- Variable electronically-controlled timing of fuel injection and exhaust valves for lower specific fuel consumption and better performance parameters
- Lower rpm possible for manoeuvring
- Better astern and crash stop performance
- Improved emissions characteristics, such as lower NOx and smoke values at any load
- Equalized thermal load in and between cylinders minimizing the risk of premature need for overhaul
- System incorporating performance monitoring to promote longer times between overhauls.
MAN Diesel’s ME concept allows the use of a well proven traditional fuel injection pattern and technology with increased rate during the injection period. The ME engine programme consists of 14 engine types with outputs ranging from 6,320-80,080 kW.