Power Without Compromise: Baudouin 12M55 and 16M33.3 Engines Set New Standards for Tugboat Performance

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That’s why global marine engine manufacturer Baudouin is making waves with two of its most advanced propulsion solutions: the 12M55 and the 16M33.3. Specifically engineered to meet the extreme requirements of towing, pushing, and maneuvering in port and offshore conditions, these engines are setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Precision Power for Harsh Marine Demands
Baudouin’s 12M55 is the flagship of its propulsion range. Delivering an impressive 2,536 kW (3,450 hp) at 1,800 rpm from a robust 65.6-liter V12 platform, this engine is purpose-built for the most demanding marine environments. From sea-going tugs to heavy-duty dredgers, the 12M55 offers high torque at low speed — a critical asset for towing and precise positioning under load.

Key features include:

• Long-stroke architecture for superior torque
• Individual cylinder heads and inspection doors for easy maintenance
• High-efficiency turbocharging and common rail injection for fuel optimization
• Compliance with IMO II emission standards

Designed for 24/7 heavy-duty operations, the 12M55 is as durable as it is powerful, making it the engine of choice for fleet operators prioritizing long-term value and uptime. With its combination of raw power, intelligent design, and true marine heritage, the 12M55 sets a new benchmark for propulsion systems in the tug and shipyard industry.

Compact Muscle for Versatile Applications
Alongside the 12M55 stands another game-changing contender: the 16M33.3. The largest engine ever built by Baudouin in terms of displacement, this 52-liter V16 powerplant is tailored for high-powered tugboats, pushboats, and utility vessels requiring both strength and responsiveness.

The 16M33.3 offers:

• HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) compatibility for cleaner operations
• Optimized low-end torque for harbor maneuvering and barge towing
• Built-in SCR capability for future-proofing emission compliance

Baudouin’s M33.3 series, including the 6-, 12-, and 16-cylinder variants, is fast becoming a preferred solution for newbuild and retrofit tug applications where space constraints, emissions compliance, and power density converge.

Genuine Marine Engineering for World-Class Vessels
With over 100 years of marine engine innovation, Baudouin remains rooted in its heritage while pioneering next-generation solutions. Both the 12M55 and 16M33.3 are manufactured under strict quality standards at Baudouin’s global facilities, supported by a worldwide network of technicians and spare parts logistics.

Operators benefit from:

• Global parts availability (30,000+ items in stock)
• 24-hour international shipping
• Genuine component integration for longer engine life and lower TCO

For shipyards, designers, and operators seeking more than just an engine — a true marine propulsion partner — Baudouin has published a detailed technical brochure outlining the features and specifications of its latest marine lineup.

Marine Product Guide 2025

We Are Baudouin
For over 100 years, Société Internationale des Moteurs Baudouin has manufactured the highest quality engines for marine and power generation applications. In the hostile environment of a marine operator, reliability and durability are paramount, and Baudouin has been successfully serving this market since 1918.

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