Deal with Hindustan Shipyard Ltd
MAN Energy Solutions has secured a significant contract to supply propulsion systems for five new Fleet Support Ships (FSS) constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL) for the Indian Navy. Located in Visakhapatnam on India’s east coast, state-owned HSL is leading this defence project to enhance India’s naval logistical capabilities. The deal represents a crucial advancement in improving the Indian Navy’s operational efficiency and fleet support infrastructure.
Under the agreement, MAN Energy Solutions will deliver a comprehensive propulsion package that includes 10 of its powerful 20V32/44CR marine engines. These engines will be paired with advanced reduction gearboxes, shaft generators, bow thrusters, and cutting-edge MAN Alpha controllable-pitch (CP) propeller systems. The propulsion technology is designed to meet the demanding operational requirements of modern naval support vessels.
The FSS class is a new generation of replenishment vessels that play a key role in extending the reach and endurance of the Indian Navy’s fleet. These ships will provide logistical support to frontline warships, enabling them to sustain operations at sea. With this procurement, India continues to focus strategically on enhancing its maritime strength while reinforcing its self-reliance goals.
Each of the five ships will be powered by two MAN 20V32/44CR engines, each delivering 12 MW of output. This makes them the most significant four-stroke engines MAN has ever supplied to the Indian Navy. The 32/44CR engine model is already proven in various international fleets and represents the forefront of medium-speed marine diesel technology, offering superior fuel efficiency and durability.
In addition to the main engines, the propulsion system features two shaft generators, each manufactured in India, per ship, each delivering 1 MWe. MAN Energy Solutions India will manage all installation and commissioning services, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to localisation and skill development within the Indian maritime sector.
The vessels will also benefit from the MAN Alpha Navy CP propeller system, which has been specifically designed with a high-performance hydrodynamic profile. This ensures optimal operation across various speeds and sea conditions, reducing noise and minimising cavitation. The propeller system is complemented by a water-lubricated stern tube arrangement, a feature that improves reliability and lowers maintenance costs throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.
This collaboration between MAN Energy Solutions and Hindustan Shipyard comes as India is ramping up its naval modernisation efforts. The addition of the FSS class, backed by world-class propulsion technology, is expected to significantly improve the Navy’s ability to support sustained operations across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
Hindustan Shipyard Chairman and Managing Director, Commodore Hemant Khatri (Retd.), expressed confidence in the decision to partner with MAN Energy Solutions, noting that the selection process was competitive and transparent. He highlighted the global reputation of MAN engines deployed in naval and commercial vessels worldwide as a testament to their reliability and performance.
Khatri encouraged MAN to deepen its engagement in India by increasing local manufacturing and expanding post-delivery support infrastructure. He noted that such steps would align with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and help forge long-term partnerships with Indian maritime stakeholders.
“This collaboration goes beyond procurement,” Khatri said. “It is about building a self-reliant and technologically advanced naval force. MAN’s support and willingness to localise production and services will significantly enhance India’s marine engineering landscape.”
Gaby Hanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Region Middle East at MAN Energy Solutions, described the order as a major milestone. “We are proud to be selected for a project of such strategic importance,” Hanna said. “Our propulsion systems are engineered for reliability, efficiency, and resilience—key attributes for naval support ships operating under challenging conditions. This partnership with HSL is a strong endorsement of our naval solutions.”
Marita Krems, Senior Vice President and Head of Four-Stroke Marine & License at MAN Energy Solutions, echoed the sentiment, describing the contract as a pivotal development in the company’s naval portfolio. “This project strengthens our footprint in India and represents another key achievement in our growing collaboration with global navies. We look forward to further enhancing our role as a trusted propulsion partner for the Indian Navy.”
Hero image: A representative image of a Fleet Support Ship for the Indian Navy, created by the design consultancy firm SEDS. Credit: SEDS
