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Russian shipowner Sovcomflot has selected the dual-fuel MAN 51/60DF engine for an LNG carrier newbuilding programme comprising of two confirmed vessels with an option for two more vessels.

The dual-fuel diesel electric propulsion system and the MAN 51/60DF engine have been selected to provide the vessel with a highly efficient and low emission propulsion system, especially when running in gas mode. A high degree of redundancy and the MAN 51/60 DF engine's multiple fuelling options have been also taken into account.

The vessels are currently under construction at STX Offshore & Shipbuilding in South Korea and will each be driven by sets of two 8L and two 9L51/60DF engines.

The engines will be built at MAN Diesel & Turbo's Augsburg plant in Germany with delivery to the Korean yard due in the fourth quarter of 2012. The first vessel is subsequently expected to commence commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2013.v "The new 51/60DF orders mark another major milestone in MAN Diesel & Turbo's strategy of expanding its environmentally friendly dual-fuel-engine technology into the marine sector," the engine manufacturer said.

The first 51/60DF order for a marine application was signed in 2007for an LNG Carrier - ‘Castillo de Santisteban' - with five 8L51/60DF units owned by Spanish shipowner Empresa Naviera Elcano S.A.. The vessel has operated commercially since summer 2010 in the transport of LNG worldwide.