Marine Propulsion News

Chris-Marine launhced its latest innovation, the VPU 1600, a fuel injector test unit for 4-stroke engines, manufactured at its facility in Brøndby, Denmark.The test unit is designed to efficiently assess the leakage, opening pressure, and spray pattern of fuel injectors, ensuring optimal engine performance. VPU 1600 is designed to deliver a reliable, intuitive solution for verifying injector performance, and its advanced testing capabilities makes it the ideal choice for engine makes…

Cummins received Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III engines, available in power ratings from 2000 to 2700 hp (1491 - 2013 kW). The approval validates Cummins' retrofittable methanol dual-fuel solution for the global marine market.Cummins plans to launch the retrofit kits post-2028 to align with market demand and infrastructure readiness. Designed for diesel-electric systems, these kits can be integrated with battery technology…

Norwegian shortsea shipping service provider Lighthouse Ship Management has achieved 33% reduction in fuel costs for one managed general cargo vessel coasters following the installation of a Berg propulsion retrofit package.The Torangsvåg-based fleet manager evaluated Berg’s options for optimizing energy use on board Terneskjaer, an 81m length 2,900 dwt general cargo ship owned by Bio Feeder.The project sought to cut fuel costs and emissions while adding a new competitive edge to a vessel built in 2008.Following a consultative process…

ABB secured orders from shipbuilders in China and South Korea to equip 18 and 12 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers, respectively, with permanent magnet shaft generator technology. The ships are due for delivery between 2028 and 2030.ABB’s permanent magnet shaft generator system is aimed to boost fuel economy compared to solutions where power is provided by auxiliary engines. By avoiding starting up high-speed, fuel-intensive auxiliary engines during a voyage, ship operators can achieve significantly greater fuel efficiency.

Seakeeper’s motion control technology can improve the performance of even the most impressive of workboats. Partnering with Seakeeper and Gladding-Hearn, the Charleston Pilots did just that, once again setting the bar for excellence.On a beautiful Autumn afternoon in Charleston, SC, way back in 2014, MarineNews had the good fortune to attend the christening on the nation’s first dual purpose, rapid response vessel and pilot launch. As the first vessel to be designed for offshore salvage and firefighting requirements…

Caudwell Marine, a marine manufacturing business owned by John Caudwell, is poised for its official diesel outboard launch in 2025. In step, the company announced the move to a new dedicated manufacturing facility and corporate head quarters in February 2025.This relocation combines Caudwell Marine's outboard production line and functional headquarters into one facility marking an exciting milestone in the business’s growth and vision for the future. The new location situated in Coventry and conveniently close to major road, rail and air transport hubs, offers significant advantages.

Deere & Company announced the unveiling of new engines — the JD14 and JD18 marine engines.With the addition of these engines, John Deere will be able to offer marine customers heavier duty cycles* and a more comprehensive power range, from 298 up to 599 kW (400 up to 803 hp). Production is anticipated to begin in 2026.“The vessels powered by our marine engines are part of hardworking, relentless commercial operations that need uncompromising power and reliability,” said Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems.

The increased performance of the SCHOTTEL RudderPropeller Dynamic SRP-D has once again been confirmed by external sources. At the request of the Dutch Damen Group, the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) carried out extensive research to demonstrate the added value of the SRP-D for Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV).While an earlier study had already demonstrated a reduced DP footprint and fuel savings, Damen’s latest research focused particularly on propulsion efficiency during thruster interactions.

Schottel ahs secured a contract to supply Polish MIECZNIK-class multi-role frigates with transverse thrusters.Each of the MIECZNIK-class multi-role frigates, being built by PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Poland, will be fitted with a shock-enhanced STT 4 with an input power of 925 kW and a propeller diameter of 2.0 metres.The entire scope of supply of the STTs comprises a combined system with motor and frequency-driven soft starter, which represents a complete functional unit from a single source for the customer.Each STT will be equipped with Schottel LeaCon…

Recently, MarineNews sat down with Will Watson, Caterpillar Marine’s Product Manager, to discuss its rapidly emerging methanol engine development. Caterpillar Marine has already taken a considerable step forward in sustainability by planning to offer an upgrade kit for its methanol-fueled, dual-fuel Cat 3500E series engines. The immediate and long-term goal is to quicken the maritime industry transition to renewable energy.The initiative, announced at an international tug & salvage trade event…

WinGD hit a milestone with its X-DF-M methanol-fuelled engine design, running the first commercial engine at full load on more than 95% methanol fuel. The 10-cylinder, 92-bore 10X92DF-M engine was run on a testbed at CSSC-MES Diesel (CMD) in Shanghai in mid-December.The engine will be installed on the fourth of a series of 16,000 TEU container vessels being built for COSCO Shipping Lines at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) shipyard. Te single-fuel 10X92-B engines on earlier…

WinGD won additional orders for its ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engine design in the growing ammonia carrier market. The engines, to be built at Yuchai Marine Power Co, will be delivered for a total of seven 25,000 cu. m. and 41,000 cu. m. LPG/ammonia carriers ordered by Tianjin Southwest Shipping. The vessels will deploy 5- and 6-cylinder versions of the 52-bore X-DF-A engines and are scheduled to enter service from Q3 2026.The orders will be built by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, a shipyard with strong experience in the construction of small- and medium-sized gas carriers.

R.W. Fernstrum & Company, founded by Robert W. Fernstrum 75 years ago, is a quintessential U.S. manufacturing story. The company was born in the aftermath of WWII, founded on an invention developed during the war by Robert Fernstrum to help solve an engine overheating problem that was plaguing U.S. Navy landing craft. Family owned and operated from day one, today the company includes a fourth generation of family that aims to continue the legacy of its founder, a legacy built on effective…

Wärtsilä introduced the NextDF feature for the Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel engine, which means while operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), the NextDF feature reduces methane emissions to less than two percent of fuel use across all load points, achieving as low as 1.1 percent in a wide load range. What’s more, the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are lower than on the standard Wärtsilä 25DF engine which already has low emission levels below IMO Tier III.Launched in 2022, the Wärtsilä 25 engine platform offers a modular…

Schottel won an order to supply azimuthing thrusters for four new escort tugs for Seattle-based Saltchuk Marine, the beginning of the renewal of the Saltchuk fleet for operations on the US West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.To be built by Eastern Shipbuilding, the vessels are a RApport 2600 design by Canadian naval architect Robert Allan and will measure 25.6 x 12.8m with a 5.5-m draft. Accommodation will be provided for eight persons, and they will be operated by Foss Maritime.Each tug will be equipped with two azimuthing Schottel RudderPropellers of the type SRP 510 each.

WinGD introduced an option for its X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines to be delivered capable of running on liquified petroleum gas (LPG), a ‘pre-fit’ solution that could be of interest to vessels under construction for the anticipated global trade in ammonia, which will also be capable of transporting LPG.Named X-DF-P for the propane that is LPG’s primary component, the solution will be released to enable first engine deliveries in 2027, when operators are likely to be considering in detail their anticipated balance between the LPG and ammonia trades.

Austart launched the ATS203 Engine Air Starters. Designed to meet the demands of marine, industrial, and oil & gas applications, the ATS203 Engine Air Starters are engineered to provide unmatched starting power for diesel and gas engines. Key features include:High Power-to-Weight Ratio: Ensures efficient starting of large engines with minimal air consumption.Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh environments, including mining, marine, oil and gas, and power generation sectors.Maintenance-Free Operation: The ATS203 features a lubrication-free design…

CM Technologies (CMT) added a fuel injection acoustic emission sensor to its PREMET X range of two- and four-stroke diesel engine performance indicators, allowing engineers to monitor the acoustic signature of a diesel engine’s fuel injection system to detect any problems with fuel injectors, nozzles, and pumps.“Atomization and fuel injection timing are the most important variables in the combustion process, correlating directly with the amount of fuel consumed and carbon emitted.

WinGD reports it has successfully completed type approval and factory acceptance testing for its X52-S2.0 engine, bringing a new option to shipowners in need of compact, medium-bore two-stroke engines. The tests at Yuchai Marine Power Co (YCMP) confirmed the engine’s performance and compliance.The X S series succeeds the RT flex50 and RT flex58 engines and is available in 52cm and 62cm bore sizes, with confirmed orders already for diesel, LNG and methanol configurations and an ammonia fuel option under development.

Being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry Haimen (CMHI) for Jan De Nul Group and scheduled for delivery in 2026, the Fleeming Jenkin is touted to become the world's largest Cable-Laying Vessel (CLV). Main propulsion for the Fleeming Jenkin will come from four Steerprop azimuth thrusters, enhanced by three tunnel thrusters and two retractable. An additional full main thruster and extensive spares package will also be supplied as part of the contract with Steerprop. In addition to the Fleeming Jenkin…

There is hydrodynamic solution that delivers multiple benefits for ship owners facing increasingly tough regulatory requirements and rising operational costs, writes Dr. Batuhan Aktas*One area of ship operations that has attracted much attention in recent years due to the possibilities it represents for emissions reduction is that of cavitation. During ship operations, cavitation occurs because of vortices that build up and cause bubbles to collapse under the ship’s propeller. The results of this process include increased noise, vibration and energy usage.

CIMAC welcomes Charlotte Røjgaard, Bureau Veritas, as a new Board member. She will act as Vice President Working Groups. Røjgaard succeeds Marko Dekena who recently decided to leave the CIMAC Board after many years in various roles.Røjgaard is the Global Marine Fuels Director at Bureau Veritas. She holds a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark and an executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics from Copenhagen Business School. She has already been an active member in CIMAC Working Groups for most of her career.

Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply the world’s first twin MT30-powered hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion arrangement to power Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV), a Japanese destroyer program.The OEM says the unique power density of the MT30 GT will ensure ship performance is not compromised and will meet the top ship speed requirements associated with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers.Other benefits marine gas turbine technology include ultra-low on-board maintenance compared to legacy engines…