New powerful HiMSEN four-stroke LNG dual-fuel engine for FSRU completes FAT

A new powerful LNG dual-fuel engine destined for a floating, storage and regasification unit (FSRU) newbuild under construction at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, has successfully completed its factory acceptance testing (FAT).

Engine maker HD Hyundai Heavy Industries-Engine and Machinery Division (HD HHI-EMD) reported its four-stroke LNG dual-fuel engine H54DF HiMSEN completed the FAT at HD Hyundai Engine, Yeongam, South Korea, on 23 January.

The FAT was conducted with the participation of American shipowner Excelerate Energy, class society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, and shipbuilder HD HHI. The engine will be installed in Hull 3407, a 170,000-m3 FSRU ordered by Excelerate Energy for delivery in June 2026.

“The powerful prime mover has three times the output of existing dual-fuel engines”

The South Korean engine manufacturer said the engine boasts the highest power output per cylinder among four-stroke engines worldwide. “This engine significantly reduces harmful emissions such as sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides, as well as greenhouse gases. The powerful prime mover has three times the output of existing dual-fuel engines and an 18% increase in power compared to diesel engines,” it said.
A dual-fuel engine capable of running on natural gas or diesel, the six-cylinder H54DF engine has a power output of around 12,000 horsepower (8,949 kW) at 600 rpm, with a 540-mm bore and 600-mm stroke. At 100% load, the engine has a heat rate of 7,280 kj/kWh in gas mode and specific fuel oil consumption of 179 g/kWh in diesel mode.

An HD-HHI-EMD representative said the engine maker will continue to expand its portfolio with other dual-fuel and gas engines, including H35DFV and H35GV.

Electric-hybrid CSOV contract

Meanwhile, Cat power solutions distributor for Norway, Pon Power, has been contracted by Vard to deliver the main engines and emergency diesel for a diesel-electric battery-hybrid commissioning service operations vessel (CSOV) for Navigare Capital Partners and Norwind Offshore.

Under the contract, Pon Power will deliver two Cat 3512C (rated at 1,700 eKW) and two Cat C32 (rated at 940 eKW) generator sets for diesel-electric propulsion. Pon Power offers Cat 3512C engines in the power range of 955 to 1902 kW, with speeds between 1,200-1,800 rpm.

The supply deal also covers Pon Power Genflex — a system designed to minimise vibrations from the generator — as well as one Cat C9.3, 274 eKW emergency generator. Permanent magnet motors and thrusters from Kongsberg round out the vessel’s propulsion package.

Fitted with hybrid propulsion and a battery pack, the 85-m CSOV is planned for delivery in Q1 2026. The hull will be built at Vard’s shipyard in Braila, Romania, and completed at one of its facilities in Norway.

This will be the sixth new CSOV that Vard delivers to Norwind Offshore and partners with Cat engines from Pon Power.