MAN Energy Solutions and Turkey-based Karpowership have signed a contract for the delivery of a total of 48 dual-fuel engines for Karpowership’s fleet of power plant ships (Powerships). The engine order consists of MAN 18V51/60DF dual-fuel engines with a mechanical output of 20.7 MW each.

The main advantage of dual fuel technology is fuel flexibility. This makes it possible to take advantage of the low cost and superior environmental benefits offered by gas. If the supply of gas fuel is interrupted, the engine can continue operating using liquid fuel. In addition to natural gas, MAN dual fuel engines can also run on liquid biofuel or distillates such as marine diesel oil (MDO), marine gas oil (MGO), crude oil and heavy fuel oil (HFO).

The engines will be split between a number of Powerships. In addition to the engines, MAN Energy Solutions will also supply the control systems for the Powerships as well as other electromechanical equipment.

MAN Energy Solutions has been supplying engines for Karpowership's floating power plants since 2009. And we are proud of playing our role in Karpowership’s ability of realising the energy transition in a fast-track manner in any location in the world by now expanding the company’s fleet by a considerable 1,000 MW with this major order. Our dual-fuel technology has already proven itself in other Powerships, and we have now even been able to increase the engine output from 19 MW to almost 21 MW, which will make the upcoming Powerships even more effective.

—Alexander Stöckler, Head of Sales, Tendering & Project Management, Power Segment at MAN Energy Solutions

Karpowership has the world’s largest fleet of Powerships. The active fleet currently comprises a total of 36 Powerships with a total capacity of 6,000 MW. The future newbuilds equipped with MAN engines will also be deployed globally.

Powerships stand for flexibility. After all, the floating power plants bring electrical energy to where it is urgently needed and help to alleviate urgent energy shortages. The Powerships will be deployed in various regions of Asia, South and Central America and Africa.

—Tilman Tütken, Vice President Strategic Projects, Power, at MAN Energy Solutions

Karpowership partners with MAN Energy Solutions not only for newbuild projects, but also for the modernization of its existing fleet. MAN PrimeServ, the after-sales brand of MAN Energy Solutions, is currently converting four barges with a total of 32 engines to dual-fuel operation. Karpowership also benefits from MAN PrimeServ's extensive local capacities in Turkey as well the global service network when deploying its power plant vessels worldwide.