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MAN Diesel & Turbo's L35/44DF engine has been awarded type approval from a number of leading classification societies at an official event in Augsburg, Germany, MarineLog reports.

The entire type approval test (TAT) process, which took place between March 30 and April 2, involved running a series of tests along with a detailed study of documentation, sketches and calculations.

Dr. Günter Heider, Senior Manager at MAN Diesel & Turbo and Head of Test and Validation, Four-Stroke Diesel and Gas Engines, is quoted as saying: "The 35/44DF showed a spotless overall performance without any unplanned quick changes over from gas to diesel during operation or any of the type approval tests."

"Among the features that were specifically appreciated and praised by the association members were the quick changes over from gas to diesel mode at 100-percent load, the restriction-free gas load performance at an overload of 110 percent and the engine's logic and clear modular design," he added.

The L35/44DF engine is now certified for GenSet and controllable-pitch propeller (CPP) operation worldwide.

The first L35/44DF factory acceptance test (FAT) is due to take place at MAN Diesel & Turbo's Frederikshavn facility this month, for which the TAT in Augsburg was a prerequisite.

Commenting on the 35/44DF engine on its website, MAN Diesel says: "The design of MAN Diesel & Turbo's new medium-speed four-stroke engine is focussed on gas operation: In this mode, the engine uses a separate pilot ignition system based on a well proven high-pressure injection technology employed in the truck industry. However, the engine is also equipped with a fully functional common rail injection system. This is modelled on our robust 32/44CR-T2, ensuring a highly reliable back-up solution.

"Another key feature of this engine is that it has been specifically designed to allow for conversion from MAN Diesel & Turbo's popular 32/44CR-T2. Due to the high level of component compatibility, the engine can be easily re-machined on board.

"An output of 530kW/cyl. clearly makes the 35/44DF the engine with highest power output in its segment. Yet it still fulfils the current IMO Tier II emissions limit in liquid fuel mode, and the future IMO Tier III limit in gas operation, without the need for any additional after-treatment systems. In addition, the engine is designed to offer a high degree of fuel flexibility: it operates reliably on all kinds of marine fuels such as HFO, MDO, and MGO – and of course LNG. All these factors make the 35/44DF ideal for ships needing a clean yet efficient form of propulsion: ferries, ro-ro, cruise ships, gas tankers, and offshore service and supply and production vessels, to name just a few."