Series 8000 News

Rolls-Royce has delivered the first 16-cylinder engines of the mtu Series 8000, two 16V 8000 M71L engines built for the Taiwanese shipyard CSBC Corporation to power new patrol vessels for the Taiwanese Coast Guard. The two engines deliver 7,280 kW of power each and will accelerate the 1000-ton class vessels to up to 24 knots. A total of six vessels of this class will be built with mtu engines, and the engines will be delivered by the end of 2022. Rolls-Royce said it has also already sold an additional 20 engines of the new type to a second customer.

Two new high-speed ferries to be run by Spanish ferry operator Fred. Olsen, S.A. are each to be powered by four MTU 20-cylinder 8000 M71L engines and by Kamewa waterjets from Rolls-Royce. The ferries will be 117m trimarans, designed by Austal Australia, and are to ply the waters around the Canary Islands along with the world’s largest aluminum fast ferry in operation, the Benchijigua Express. It is also planned to sign a maintenance agreement for both new ferries for a period of up to 8 years and a maximum of 24,000 hours of operation.

Rolls-Royce said it has reached a deal with Indian naval shipbuilder Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to cooperate in the local manufacturing of technologically-advanced MTU Series 8000 engines. Under the agreement, which was signed this week at the defense trade show Defexpo in India, the companies will assemble the 16-cylinder and 20-cylinder MTU Series 8000 engines at GSL’s new facility in Goa.The MTU brand produces large diesel and gas engines and complete propulsion systems as part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.The agreement includes transfer of MTU technology related to localizing of engine components, engine assembly, testing, painting and major overhauls. MTU Series 8000 engines are the largest and most powerful MTU diesel engines with a power output of up to 10 MW.

Rolls-Royce said it will supply four 20-cylinder Series 8000 engines from MTU to Australian shipyard Incat Tasmania. The engines will be installed in the new high-speed RoPax ferry to be used by the Virtu Ferries company on the Malta-Sicily service that it operates daily throughout the year. Set to be the largest high-speed catamaran operating in the Mediterranean, the vessel is 110 m in length and can accommodate 900 passengers plus crew and 167 vehicles on 490 truck lane meters.

As the first engines in its power class the MTU Series 4000 was recently awarded Naval Vessel Rules (NVR) certification by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The new ABS NVR certification, a requirement for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fast Response Cutter (FRC) program, was awarded after 1,500 hours of testing of the 20V 4000 M73 that included extensive run times at 110% of the engine’s rated power in a variety of extreme environmental conditions. Extensive validation testing was also completed in commercial marine and military applications…

The MTU Series 8000 was awarded Naval Vessel Rules (NVR) certification by ABS. The new certification, a requirement for the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) programs, was awarded to Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH after 1,500 hours of testing of the 20V 8000 that included run times at 110% of the engine’s rated power in a variety of extreme environmental conditions. Additional validation testing was also completed in a commercial marine application…

Leading engine supplier for U.S. Coast Guard awarded Stringent certification by American Bureau of Shipping. The MTU Series 8000 was recently awarded Naval Vessel Rules (NVR) certification by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The new ABS NVR certification, a requirement for the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) programs, was awarded to Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH after 1,500 hours of testing of the 20V 8000 that included extensive run times at 110% of the engine’s rated power in a variety of extreme environmental conditions.

MTU North American Training Center announces arrival of new Series 8000 marine engine for maintenance & repair training. Tognum America has announced the arrival of an MTU Series 8000 marine engine at its 30,000 square-foot MTU Training Center in Canton, Mich. The Series 8000 is used in mega-yachts, commercial marine and defense applications. Measuring over 11 feet high, 21 feet long, and with dry weight of 46,200 kg (101,853 lbs), the Series 8000 is the largest and most powerful engine produced by MTU.

Main engine plant of  USN 127-meter Littoral Combat Ship 'Coronado' (LCS 4) powered up by shipbuilders, Austal. Austal has completed main engine light off of the two MTU 9,100kW 20V 8000 M71 propulsion diesel engines and the two 22,000kW GE LM2500 gas turbine engines, following the fuel load and testing of all four generators. The diesels are considered the highest power high-speed diesel engines in the world. Delivering up to 12,200 bhp (9,100 kW) of continuous power, MTU's Series 8000 offers a fuel consumption of less than 190g/kWh, while achieving IMO MARPOL NOx emission certification.

Series 8000 marine diesel  engines from Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH now available with an output of 10MW. Previously, the 20-cylinder engine had a maximum output of 9,100kW. The IMO Tier II-compliant unit demonstrated its increased power and reliability during a project-specific endurance run over 1,500 hours under tropical conditions. The Series 8000 engines now cover a power range from 7,200kW to 10,000kW enabling MTU to offer economically efficient, diesel-based propulsion solutions producing up to 40MW per vessel.

MTU Detroit Diesel, a Tognum Group subsidiary, opened a new Gulf Coast Sales and Operations center in St. Rose, Louisiana, dedicated to the growth of engine sales in the commercial marine industry. The center also houses parts and serves as a logistics hub for MTU’s marine defense customers. The nearly 8,000-square-foot facility is located in the St. James Industrial Park just west of New Orleans. "MTU is one of the world’s major providers of diesel engines and propulsion systems for ships…

Sea trials of the US Navy’s landmark Austal-designed and built 127-m Littoral Combat Ship “Independence” (LCS 2) are expected to commence within weeks following the successful light off of the vessel’s main engines. Austal completed light off of the vessel’s four propulsion engines - two 22,000kW GE LM2500 gas turbines and two MTU 9,100kW 20V 8000 M71 diesels - following the fuel load and the testing of all four generators. Activation and testing of the combat and other systems onboard “” is continuing at Austal’s facility in , with delivery of the vessel expected later in the year. Austal is the vessel designer and builder within the General Dynamics team…

The second of two high speed vehicle-passenger catamarans for Hawaii Superferry has been launched at Austal USA. The achievement comes just months after Austal successfully launched the LCS Independence – a state-of-the-art near-shore combat ship built for the US Navy. With a service speed of 40 knots and the capacity to transport 866 passengers and 282 cars, the high speed catamaran joins sister vessel “Alakai” - which was delivered to Hawaii Superferry last year - as the largest aluminium catamaran ever built in the US.

Since its introduction in 2000, MTU's Series 8000 high-speed diesel engine has gained popularity among Naval and Commercial shipbuilders because of its performance and operating availability. With over one hundred 20V 8000 engines sold, and with over 160,000 hours in combined operation, the world's highest power to weight ratio in this power range is said to be the low risk propulsion engine option for many navies and high-speed ferry operators. Delivering up to 12,200 bhp (9100 kW) of continuous power, MTU's Series 8000 has consistently set the performance benchmarks for fuel efficiency - less than 190g/kWh, while achieving IMO Marpol NOx emission certification. The 20V 8000 engine is now also available in a US EPA Tier II emission certified configuration.

On April 6 Austal Ships and MTU introduced what it calls the world’s most powerful diesel-powered high-speed catamaran, Spirit of Ontario, in New York. The 284-ft. vessel -- powered by four MTU 20 V 8000 diesel enginesallowing for a loaded speed of 45.7 knots (52 mph/84 kph) – can carry 774 passengers and up to 238 cars or 10 full size trucks. It will be deployed by Canadian American Transportation System between Rochester, NY, and Toronto, ON. According to a survey conducted by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge…

Building fast RoPax vessels is nothing new for Australia's Austal Ships. The company, founded just 16 years ago, has quickly crafted a reputation as one of the largest and best builders of aluminum craft in the world, and today boasts an annual turnover in excess of $250 million. Spirit of Ontario, however, is in a different league. The ship arrived last month from its birth place Down Under to start work for Canadian American Transportation System on the commuter route between Rochester, NY, and Toronto, ON. Its inaugural route to work took it on tours through the Hawaiian Islands and eventually to Pier 17 at New York City's South Street Seaport…

Sweden's Volvo Penta has introduced a new engine range that significantly expands its power output up to 1,380 kW (1,850 hp) and opens vast new markets for the company's products. The new range will include in-line six cylinder units, and, for the first time for the company, V12 and V16 configuration engines. The new range comprises five basic engine sizes, from 24.5 - 65.4 liter displacement. The new engines are designed to be reliable, fuel efficient with low emissions, a suitable power choice for a wide range of vessels from coastal freighters and fishing vessels to harbor tugs operating on inland waters. In addition, the engines are reportedly suitable for auxiliary duties. On the table below are the power specifications for the new line.

In recent months several diesel engine manufacturers have expanded their existing engine and generator ranges to include models suitable for workboat, large yacht and fishing vessel applications. This translates to more propulsion choices for boat builders and owners. Following is a look at four newly launched lines. Last September, MTU introduced the new 8000 series, moving the company into medium-speed engine market. The first engine of the line is the 20V 8000, which is capable of producing 9,000 kW at 1,150 rpm. The 20V is primarily intended to be used as main propulsion for large yachts and workboats, as well as for diesel-electric propulsion and onboard power supply systems in cruise ships.