New dimensions to two-stroke power and choice

摘要

Orders breaking the psychological power barrier of 100 000bhp for single engine installations have been sealed this year by the two major licensors of two-stroke diesel engines, underscoring both the industry's unerring drive for higher propulsion potency and the containership sector's overwhelming preference for single prime movers. Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) made the bold decision to adopt 14-cylinder Sulzer RT-flex engines of unprecedented 80 080kW (108 920bhp) unit power in each of four 8600 TEU boxship newbuildings, while Greek owner Costamare specified uprated 12-cylinder K98MC engines of around 101 600bhp (74 760kW) from MAN B&W for five ultra-large container vessels. The common link in the two projects is Hyundai Heavy Industries, as shipbuilding contractor and producer of all nine 'cathedral' engines under the landmark powering arrangements.