New Sulzer Reports Engine Order Influx

New Sulzer Diesel Ltd. of Winterthur, Switzerland, has reported rapid sales of its RTA48T and RTA58T low-speed marine diesel engines, initially offered in June 1995. Thirty-seven engines have reportedly been ordered for newbuilding activity in Japan and Poland. These include 14 six-cylinder RTA48T models for handymax bulk carriers contracted at IHHI and Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. by Japanese, European and Chilean owners for delivery through 1998. In addition, 23, seven-cylinder RTA48T models are destined for panamax bulk carriers at Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., with delivery scheduled in 1997. These engines will be built under license by Diesel United Ltd. in Aioi, Japan.

A series of 12, open-hatch, 45,000-dwt bulk carriers with 1,800-TEU capacity will each be powered by a six-cylinder RTA58T engine of 15,500-bhp output for newbuildings contracted by German and Chilean owners at Poland's Szcecin Shipyard, with delivery scheduled in 1997-1998. The engines will be built under license by H. Cegielski in Poznan, Poland. In addition, two sevencylinder RTA58T engines have been ordered in Japan. Sulzer RTA48T and RTA58T lowspeed engines are specifically designed for the propulsion of bulk carriers and tankers in approximate range of 25,000 to 150,000 dwt. With cylinder bores of 480 and 580 mm, these engines have maximum continuous outputs of 1,850 and 2,720-bhp per cylinder. Comprising models ranging from five to eight cylinders, the engine series covers an overall power range of 5,600 to 21,760 bhp. The first RTA58T engine, a fourcylinder prototype, has been running on a test bed since October 1995. It is employed as a research engine in New Sulzer's new Diesel Technology Center in Winterthur. For more information on New Sulzer Circle 76 on Reader Service Card