MAN Supplying Engine For Chinese Dredger

MAN Energy Solutions will supply the engine for a new dredger in southern China.

The MAN 9L48/60CR unit will power the newbuilding vessel currently under construction at Dongguan Xiandai Shipbuilding Co. for sister company, Dongguan Rundong Shipping Co., Ltd., which will produce sand for the local construction industry.

The four-stroke 9L48/60CR engine is rated at 9720 kW @ 514 rpm and incorporates MAN Energy Solutions’ exhaust-gas turbocharging and two-stage charge-air cooling. It is designed for heavy-duty operation – even with fuel qualities down to HFO-700 cSt / 50°C. Additionally, a charge-air bypass on the engine is designed to improve operational behavior at reduced engine speeds. The engine will also feature SaCoS_one, MAN Energy Solutions’ engine-control system.

“The local market is very interesting in that it produces sand for the construction industry,” said Lex Nijsen, vice president and head of Four-Stroke Marine at MAN Energy Solutions. “Its projects and technical criteria are different to those of the national stage but, at the end of the day, still demand powerful, highly-reliable engines.”

MAN Energy Solutions said more than 10 private shipyards – producing primarily dredgers and barges – are located in the Shenzhen and Dongguan areas of Guangdong province. Accordingly, Nijsen expects the demand for big-bore engines to increase significantly in the short term.

“Dongguan Rundong Shipping already operates five dredgers in Guangdong province – several with MAN engines – and is considered a leader within local dredging circles,” he said. “We are happy to have won this order from such a prominent client, and are confident that it will influence future sales locally in this market segment – as will our ability to offer a comprehensive aftersales service.”