Antarctica21 selects MAN engines for diesel-electric set-up on Magellan Discoverer cruise ship

Chilean tour operator Antarctica21 has chosen MAN engines to provide a diesel-electric set-up for its 94m new-build passenger cruise ship.

The Magellan Discoverer will be slightly larger than a similar ship in the Antarctica21 fleet, the Magellan Explorer from 2019, which has the same engine type installed and also has a PC6 polar-ice classification.

To complete this order, Chilean shipbuilder Astilleros y Servicios Navales (ASENAV) has ordered four MAN 6L21/31 Mk2 part-load optimized (PLO) gen-sets. The MAN 21/31 Mk2 PLO engine maintains a reduced fuel consumption (up to 9 g/kWh@75% MCR) with the longest times between overhaul in its class, and also comes equipped with MAN’s modern safety and control system (SaCoSone). The Mk2 engine can burn conventional fuels like HFO/LSFO, MDO and MGO, complying with new ISO 8217:2024 fuels, as well as sustainable fuels like biodiesel FAME and HVO-100.

The 21/31 Mk2 PLO engine is designed as ‘methanol-ready’ with approval in principle from the DNV classification society for retrofit to methanol operation as a green fuel at a later date, should it be required. Originally designed in 2000/2001 with the goal of providing a compact and robust engine, the 21/31 engine has been designed for easy installation and maintenance. The MK2 PLO gen-set was introduced to the market in spring 2023 and has already made some 30 sales, especially within the offshore wind and cargo/passenger ferry segments.

Each gen-set will come integrated with MAN Energy Solutions’ proprietary low-pressure selective catalytic reduction (LP-SCR) system that delivers NOx-reduction rates of up to 90% in fulfilling the latest IMO environmental requirements. The engines will be built at MAN Energy Solutions’ facility in Aurangabad, India, where a very compact RAMME permanent magnet (PM) alternator will also be integrated.

Jaime Vásquez, president of Antarctica21, stated, “We are delighted to reaffirm our partnership with MAN Energy Solutions Chile by selecting the 21/31 Mk2 PLO engine for our new polar vessel. This engine sets the standard for the lowest fuel consumption in its category. Our continued trust in MAN Energy Solutions after-sales service in Chile, renowned for its reliability and expertise, reinforces our decision.”

Gerardo Schneeberger, head of sales, Chile, MAN Energy Solutions, said, “We are very proud of this repeat order by Antarctica21 at ASENAV for MAN 21/31 engines. This displays great trust in MAN technology and further cements the solid foothold that our small-bore, four-stroke, medium-size engines have established in the Chilean market. The unique capabilities offered by PrimeServ Chile’s 24/7 service within all Chilean territories have also been key to winning this order.”

Christian Kamm, sales manager, Europe – marine, MAN Augsburg, said, “The optimized MAN 21/31 Mk2 PLO gen-set improves fuel efficiency without additional costs and combines classic engine-design principles with innovative technology. The integrated SCR system will also ensure the protection of the pristine marine environments that this cruise ship will operate in.”

Read more of the latest ferries and cruises updates from the electric and hybrid marine technology, here.