Some years ago, shipping experts seemed to be certain that LNG propulsion systems would be the main technology in the future. Nowadays a lot of shipping companies do not see a need to change anything about their existing engines yet because of the low bunker costs. However, they have to prepare for the future, especially when bunker costs rise again and stricter environmental rules come into force. Then, they will be looking for the most suitable propulsion system for their vessels. To individually find the best system depends on the ship type and on the region where the vessels are operated. This is why Lex Nijsen, Vice President, Head of Four-Stroke Marine at MAN Diesel & Turbo, expects a mixture of marine propulsion systems in the future: »It won't be like one size fits all,« he says.
展开▼
