Indian Navy Leverages MAN’s 32/44CR Propulsion Packages

MAN Energy Solutions will deliver 10 marine propulsion packages to Hindustan Shipyard (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, India, which will build five fleet support ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy. The entire order features:

• 10 x 20-cylinder 32/44CR engines
• Main reduction gearboxes
• Shaft generators
• Bow thrusters
• MAN Alpha Navy controllable pitch (CP) propeller systems

The FSS large-scale replenishment vessels are intended to improve and expand the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. With these propulsion packages, HSL fulfills its plan to enhance the Indian Navy with power generation technologies and international partnerships.

“This is a substantial order, and we are very happy that the Indian Navy has asked us to provide a propulsion package that matches the needs of this demanding application,” said Gaby Hanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Region Middle East at MAN Energy Solutions. “We are delighted to partner with Hindustan Shipyard on this project. The propulsion package will meet such key requirements for the fleet-support ships as reliability, efficiency, shock resistance, integrated logistics support, and provide a step closer to self-reliance.”

Indian Navy's fleet support ship; image credit: MAN Energy Solutions

Equipment Details

The 12 MW, 20-cylinder 32/44CR models are the largest four-stroke engines supplied to the Indian Navy in 50 years and is used in numerous FSS’s across navies worldwide. The medium-speed marine diesel engines are each supported by two Indian-made, 1-Mwe shaft generators, with each vessel propelled by a naval Alpha CP propeller.

“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,” said Hemant Khatri, Chairman and Managing Director of HSL. “MAN can contribute significantly to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and further strengthen their collaboration with Indian Navy and maritime stakeholders.”

MAN Energy enhanced the hydrodynamic propeller design with balanced efficiency and reduced noise and cavitation, improving overall performance across operating conditions. The company also installed a water-lubricated stern-tube system to enhance reliability, availability, and lower ownership costs. MAN Energy Solutions India will handle installation and commissioning services.

“This naval application marks another milestone for our increasingly important navy business and we are looking forward to further developing our cooperation with Hindustan Shipyard and the Indian Navy,” said Marita Krems, Senior Vice President and Head of Four-Stroke Marine & License at MAN Energy Solutions.

More MAN Energy News

This week, MAN Energy Solutions received eight ME-GI engine orders from two South Korean shipyards, both of which are building four ultra-large container ship (ULCS) vessels for an unknown Asian owner. These orders were switched from another manufacturer’s single-fuel conventional engines to MAN’s dual-fuel design which, according to the company, is a popular choice in 2025’s maritime industry.

Each shipyard ordered four B&W 8G95ME-GI Mk10.5 main engines for the ULCS vessels and, prior to installation, an unnamed Korean MAN Energy licensee will build the engines. These ME-GI engines are primarily used for container vessels, gas and liquid tanker vessels, and car and truck carriers.