MAN Energy Solutions has secured a contract for the delivery of main propulsion systems for five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) intended for the Indian Navy.
Awarded by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), the contract includes ten 20V32/44CR marine engines, along with associated gearboxes, shaft generators, bow thrusters, and controllable pitch propeller systems.
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The Indian Navy placed the order for these new FSS vessels with HSL in August 2023, with deliveries expected to commence by mid-2027.
These FSS vessels are a new class of large replenishment ships aimed at boosting the Indian Navy’s operational reach.
Each vessel measures 200m in length, 25m in breadth, and 10m in draft, with the ability to travel at a speed of 20 knots.
The procurement process for these engines was transparent and competitive, ensuring that the Indian Navy received the best quality and value.
The 20V32/44CR engines, each with a power output of 12MW, are said to become the largest four-stroke marine engines MAN Energy Solutions has provided to the Indian Navy in their over 50-year relationship.
These engines, which are also used by other navies around the world, embody medium-speed diesel engine technology.
HSL chairman and managing director Hemant Khatri said: “Given the extensive use of MAN engines on a large number of vessels globally, we encourage MAN Energy Solutions to consider evolving their business model and establishing stronger partnerships in India by increasing their local content in manufacturing and to continue enhancing post-delivery support infrastructure within the country.
“MAN can contribute significantly to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and further strengthen their collaboration with Indian Navy and maritime stakeholders.”
In line with its commitment to India’s self-reliance initiative, MAN Energy Solutions will supply two shaft generators manufactured in India, each with a capacity of 1 MWe per vessel.
The company will also oversee the installation and commissioning of all equipment through its Indian subsidiary.
The propulsion of the vessels will be handled by a naval MAN Alpha controllable pitch propeller, designed for optimal performance across various operating conditions.
This includes a focus on efficiency, noise reduction, and cavitation prevention.
Additionally, the ships will incorporate a water-lubricated stern-tube system.
MAN Energy Solutions senior vice president and Four-Stroke Marine & License head Marita Krems said: “This sophisticated naval application marks another milestone for our increasingly important navy business and we are looking forward to further developing our successful cooperation with Hindustan Shipyard and the Indian Navy.”
