MAN Diesel & Turbo Delivers "Polar King"
GC Rieber Shipping of Bergen, Norway recently took delivery of the offshore ROV-survey vessel – the ‘Polar King’ – constructed by CNP Freire shipyard in Spain. The newbuilding has a diesel-electric propulsion system that features 6 × MAN 9L21/31 engines and will support activities in the hydrocarbon sector. MAN Diesel & Turbo reports that delivery of a second, twin vessel – the ‘Polar Queen’ – is scheduled for the end of summer 2011.
The MAN L21/31 engine is a member of MAN Diesel & Turbo’s engine portfolio and has references in many applications, including the offshore segment that requires engines to perform for long periods under harsh conditions. The Polar King project originally commenced in 2008, but the global financial crisis caused a 6-month delay in construction while refinancing was found. Finally, GC Rieber Shipping took over the project in 2009 and the ship was launched in 2010.