Low water levels have a direct impact on inland shipping. Reduced draught means less cargo capacity and place different demands on a vessel’s layout and propulsion system. The market is therefore considering, among other things, new vessels with a shallow draught.
MAN Engines’ 30-litre engine platform adds an interesting new option to the Stage V inland shipping market. The engines combine a compact design with a large displacement and high torque at low engine speeds.
High torque at low engine speeds
An important technical feature of the 30-litre platform is the electric fuel pump. This enables the engine to deliver high torque even at low engine speeds. The MAN D3872 LE437 is a specific example. This 30-litre engine delivers 1,000 hp at 1,800 rpm. At around 1,000 rpm, approximately 4,400 Nm of torque is already available. This means that the engine delivers substantial turning force even at low engine speeds. For inland shipping, this is relevant during periods of low water because it allows a vessel to continue operating at a lower engine speed for longer.
Weight plays an important role
When developing new vessels with a shallow draught, the weight on board is carefully assessed. The low weight of MAN engines is therefore of interest for vessel designs in which draught and cargo capacity are major considerations. Selecting the right engine involves more than maximum power output alone. Power, torque, weight and installation dimensions must together suit the application and the vessel design.
30 litres within compact dimensions
With the 30-litre platform, MAN Engines expands its range with greater displacement without requiring significantly more engine room space. In terms of dimensions, the 1,000 hp version of the 30-litre engine is almost as compact as the 1,000 hp 24-litre engine. A 1,250 hp version of the 30-litre engine is also available.
The 30-litre platform also offers possibilities for diesel-electric propulsion. For this purpose, the MAN D3872 is available as a genset, including an 800 kW Stage V version. The platform therefore also suits vessel concepts centred on electric propulsion. In addition to the engine itself, the exhaust gas aftertreatment system has a compact and flexible design. This helps limit the required installation space and retain as much room as possible within the vessel design for cargo capacity or passenger accommodation, for example.
Stage V for inland shipping
The 30-litre engines are Stage V certified and are therefore suitable for inland shipping applications where this emissions standard is required. Within MAN Engines’ broader Stage V programme, propulsion engines are available for Heavy Duty and Medium Duty applications, with outputs ranging from 300 to 1,450 hp. In total, MAN offers 20 Stage V engines for both propulsion and auxiliary use.
Propulsion tailored to the application
The most suitable engine depends on factors including the required power output, operating profile, available space, weight and desired performance at different engine speeds. With the 30-litre platform, MAN Engines adds new possibilities for inland vessels where power, torque and compact dimensions are important.
Would you like to know what MAN’s 30-litre engines could mean for a newbuild project or a specific inland shipping application? MAN Rollo will be happy to work with you to identify the appropriate engine solution.
