Wider in Italy has chosen a pair of MAN 12V175D-MEV marine variable-speed genset engines for its new Moonflower 72 superyacht project.
The Wider serial hybrid propulsion system comprises two 1,860 kW-rated variable speed engines and 1 MWh battery bank in combination with the permanent magnet alternators providing the power for a DC grid.
Marcello Maggi who heads W-Fin Sarl, the holding company that owns 100% of Wider’s equity, explained the company’s decision. “The choice to equip the project with only two diesel generators gave us the possibility to optimise the space and the layout of the engine room without compromising performance and safety,” he said.
“In fact, the focus was to increase the global efficiency of the complete propulsion system and we believe that – with the combination of the Wider Management System, batteries and especially the MAN 175D engine – we have found the right balance.
The company estimates the set-up will optimise the performance by an additional 7%. “To comment further on the generators’ amazing features, we would note the double shock-absorbing installation that cuts structural vibrations completely, a very compact SCR system integrated into a very innovative exhaust system, and a TBO [time between overhauls] of an amazing 30,000 hours,” said Luciano Cardini, head of Wider Engineering.
The MAN 175D engine range comes in three variants of 12, 16 and 20 cylinders with an output ranging from 1,500 to 4,400 Kilowatts. Optimised for propelling ferries, offshore support ships, tugs and other working vessels, the system can be tailored for other market areas such as superyachts like the Moonflower 72, planing yachts and naval marine applications.
MAN Energy Solutions’ production facility in Denmark will deliver the engines to Wider in April 2023.
