Chilean shipbuilder ASENAV (Astilleros y Servicios Navales) has ordered four MAN 6L21/31 Mk2 PLO (Part-Load Optimised) gensets for a 94m passenger cruise-ship newbuilding for Antarctic cruise operator Antarctica21.
The Magellan Discoverer will be slightly larger than a similar ship in the Antarctica21 fleet, the Magellan Explorer from 2019, which has the same engine type installed and can boast a PC6 polar-ice classification.
Each genset will come integrated with MAN Energy Solutions’ proprietary LP-SCR (low-pressure selective catalytic reduction) system that delivers NOx-reduction rates of up to 90% in fulfilling the latest IMO environmental requirements. The engines will be built at MAN Energy Solutions’ facility in Aurangabad, India where a compact Ramme PM (Permanent Magnet) alternator will be integrated.
Jaime Vásquez, President Antarctica21, said: “We are delighted to reaffirm our partnership with MAN Energy Solutions Chile by selecting the 21/31 Mk2 PLO engine for our new polar vessel. This engine sets the standard for the lowest fuel consumption in its category. Our continued trust in MAN Energy Solutions after-sales service in Chile, renowned for its reliability and expertise, reinforces our decision.”
Gerardo Schneeberger, Head of Sales, Chile, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We are very proud of this repeat order by Antarctica21 at ASENAV for MAN 21/31 engines. This displays great trust in MAN technology and further cements the solid foothold that our small-bore, four-stroke, medium-sized engines have established in the Chilean market. The unique capabilities offered by PrimeServ Chile’s 24/7 service within all Chilean territories have also been key to winning this order.”
Christian Kamm – Sales Manager Europe, Marine, MAN Augsburg, said: “The optimised MAN 21/31 Mk2 PLO genset improves fuel efficiency without additional costs and combines classic engine design principles with innovative technology. The integrated SCR system will also ensure the protection of the pristine marine environments that this cruise ship will operate in.”
The MAN 21/31 Mk2 PLO engine is said to maintain a significantly reduced fuel-consumption (up to 9 g/kWh@75% MCR) with the longest times between overhaul in its class. It comes equipped with MAN’s safety and control system (SaCoSone). Furthermore, the Mk2 engine is capable of burning conventional fuels like HFO/LSFO, MDO and MGO, complying with new ISO 8217:2024 fuels, as well as sustainable fuels like biodiesel FAME and HVO-100. The 21/31 Mk2 PLO engine is designed as methanol-ready with Approval in Principle from DNV for retrofit to methanol operation as a green fuel at a later date, should it be required.
Image: 21/31 Mk2 PLO genset (credit: MAN Energy Solutions)
