Liebherr And Wärtsilä Develop High-Speed Engine

Liebherr and Wärtsilä have announced a cooperation on the development of a high-speed diesel engine for maritime and offshore applications. The Wärtsilä 14 engine is being unveiled at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans (USA) from November 28 to 30, 2018. 

The first deliveries for the new engine are planned for the latter part of 2019. The engines will be marketed under the Wärtsilä brand and serviced by the company’s global network.

The product will be available in 12- and 16-cylinder configurations based on the Liebherr D96 engine family, with a power output ranging between 1026 to 1821 hp (755 and 1340 kW) in mechanical propulsion, and from 918 to 1570 hp (675 to 1155) kWe in auxiliary and diesel-electric propulsion applications. 

“The Wärtsilä 14 high speed engine enables us to offer even wider complete packages for our marine customers, bringing total machinery efficiency to the next level. By this we are able to maximize overall performance of the whole solution securing safety and environmental sustainability in a rapidly changing and technologically developing market,” said Janne Klemola, product director, Wärtsilä Marine Power Solutions.

The new W14 engine will be sold for both propulsion and auxiliary gen-sets, as well as hybrid installations – in segments and vessel types where the operating power, fuel type used and power-to-weight ratio better befit high-speed engines.

Wärtsilä also said it has chosen Liebherr to be its partner in this challenging project due to Liebherr’s vast experience in engine development. “Wärtsilä’s leading global position in the development of fully integrated technologies and hybrid solutions will be further enhanced with the addition of this high-speed engine capability. The Wärtsilä 14 engine is designed to meet limited weight and space requirements, as well as stringent emission restrictions. Furthermore, we are very excited to be cooperating closely with Liebherr, since the company’s brand and credibility match perfectly with our core values,” said Stefan Wiik, vice president, Marine Power Solutions, Wärtsilä.