Hyundai heavy unveils duel-fueled marine engine

Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world' s biggest shipbuilder and a leading marine engine manufacturer, said Monday that it has developed the world's first duel-fueled marine engine to meet the stricter environmental regulations. According to an e-mailed statement, the duel-fueled system will allow marine engines to selectively use both LNG and diesel for fuel depending on respective needs, while showing the same performance as the diesel engine and reducing emissions. The duel-fueled system can be used in all types of vessel such as LNG carriers, oil tankers and containerships, the shipbuilder said, noting that the system can meet stricter environment regulations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s regulations on sulfur compounds will come into force from Jan. 1 2015, so the emission control area (ECA) will be extended to all over the world. Currently, the U.S., Norway and the North Sea are designated as emission control areas. "There are numerous inquiries regarding the duel-fueled system. This system will give us marketing leverage for new shipbuilding order as IMO regulations begin in earnest," said Lee Tae-young, vice president of Hyundai Heavy's engine and machinery division.