Tug engine order first for MAN

The two Tier III 12V175D MM engines will supply power to a 27m, 75tbp harbour pusher “Asymmetric Tractor Tug” including for fixed-pitch propeller azimuth thrusters, towing equipment and fire-fighting provision. The LR-classed tug is to be operated by P&O Reyser in the Port of Barcelona, Spain with delivery of the vessel expected in mid-2020.

MAN reports its 175D model is experiencing “a growing number of references within different segments” with this particular order chosen because of the compact footprint, fuel-efficient performance and flexible design approach taken with its SCR layout.

The engines, along with the associated SCR exhaust gas emissions after-treatment system will be supplied from MAN’s new 175D production facility in Frederikshavn, Denmark direct to the tug’s builder Drydocks World Dubai. Spanish designer Cintranaval also have a key role in the tug’s design.

MAN Energy Solutions developed the 175D engine range to supplement its product portfolio in the maritime sector with the 12-cylinder variant available with an output ranging from 1,500kW to 2,220kW. The target market for the engine is mainly ‘working’ vessels including: tugs, workboats, supply vessels and ferries with special model versions suited for other applications including super-yachts and naval vessels. MAN describe the engine as: “An extremely eco-friendly engine, being designed from the outset with compliance to the latest, as well as future, exhaust-gas-emission requirements and utilising a very compact and flexible SCR system, which enables vessel designers to optimise space on board to the maximum.”

There is a connection in this instance between the owner and builder in that P&O Reyser (operating towing, mooring and auxiliary services in the Spanish port market) is part of P&O Maritime, a core company of the DP World empire whose other interests include Drydocks World Dubai, builder of this new vessel.

P&O Maritime has a global presence operating a diverse fleet of both directly-owned and managed vessels including government marine services in countries as far apart as the UK and Australia. The port marine and oil and gas marine services elements of the company have a fleet of around 50 tugs, mooring boats, workboats and pilot vessels.

By Peter Barker