Hapag Lloyd orders three electronically controlled 12K98ME engines to power 8,145 TEU containerships.

Hapag Lloyd has placed an order for three 12K98ME engines to power their latest large containerships. The ME engines each have an output of 68,640 kW (93,360 bhp), making them the world’s most powerful electronically controlled engines on order.

Each ME engine, to be built by HHI, will be destined to power an 8,145 TEU containership, which are 335 m long and 42.8 m wide. The three ships are to be built at the Hyundai Shipyard in Korea.

Until now camshaft-controlled diesel engines have been 'state-of-the-art'. However, engine control by the camshaft has limitations for further development. Even the addition of various mechanical and hydraulic 'add-on' devices such as VIT, etc., could not overcome the timing control limitations brought on by the use of a camshaft. In particular, the fuel injection pressure control and variations over the load range could not be properly addressed for future requirements.

The main purpose, therefore, of changing to electronic control is to ensure optimal fuel injection timing and rate, as well as the exhaust valve timing and operation, exactly when and as desired.

Especially with regard to the fuel injection rate, the electronic control systems have been designed so that it is possible to generate proper rate shaping while maintaining higher injection pressures (and thus, a better combustion of the fuel) in low load conditions, without producing a too high pressure at higher loads.

The ME engine concept responds to such demands while maintaining the simplicity and safety of traditional engines.

In addition, the ME engine range features electronic control of the cylinder lube oil feed by having our proprietary Alpha Lubricators integrated into the system. With the Alpha Lubricator System, about 0.3 g/bhph cyl. of cylinder oil can be saved, compared to engines with mechanical lubricators.

The electronic control of fuel injection and exhaust valve timing improves low load operation, engine acceleration and gives better engine balance and load control – leading to longer times between overhauls. This is also improved by implementation of enhanced diagnostic systems. When taken together, it will give lower fuel and cylinder oil consumption and, not least, better emission characteristics, particularly with regard to visible smoke and NO_x.

For the ME engines, the electronic control system has been made complete. Hence, the ME engine features fully integrated control of all functions such as the governor, start and reversing, fuel, exhaust and starting valves, as well as cylinder oil feeding.

The first ME engine was proved during extended operational trials on the M/T Bow Cecil (Odfjell, Norway). This ship has now completed over 12,500 operational hours without any problems.