MAN ES to power Portuguese Navy’s multi-purpose and offshore patrol vessels

German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) has secured contracts to provide its engines and power multi-purpose and offshore patrol vessels for the Portuguese Navy.

Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Shipyards Group has ordered several MAN 175D engines. These engines will be used for a special multi-purpose vessel (MPV). The steel for the new vessel NRP Dom João II was cut in October last year. The 107-meter-long MPV will comprise a multi-purpose platform with primary mission roles including oceanic research, search and rescue, and emergency relief in addition to maritime safety and naval-support operations.

Under the contract, the company will provide a set for the MPV, which includes:

• Two 12V175D-MEM engines. Each engine produces 1800 kW of power and runs at 1,800 rpm.
• Two 16V175D-MEM engines. Each of these is more powerful, producing 2,400 kW at 1,800 rpm.

The engines are expected to be delivered in 2025. The MPV is then planned to be finished and delivered in 2026.

For the other project, Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea – Estaleiros Navais has ordered multiple MAN 175D engines in connection with the construction of six Viana do Castelo-class OPVs. The order encompasses six shipsets featuring 2 × 16V175D-MEL engines, each delivering 2,960 kW at 1,800 rpm.

The shipbuilder will construct the 83-meter-long vessels at West Sea’s shipyard in northern Portugal. The engines will be constructed at MAN Energy Solutions’ Frederikshavn facility in Denmark and are scheduled for ongoing delivery from early 2026 to mid-2029, with respective vessel deliveries set for 18 months after in each case.

The OPVs’ main tasks involve long-range maritime surveillance and patrol missions, as well as search-and-rescue operations. However, depending on the sensors and weapons installed on board, they can be assigned to military missions in traditional maritime areas of unrest. 

“West-Sea and the Portuguese Navy jointly chose this engine, mindful that each vessel’s power requirement of about 6 MW can be achieved with just two compact 16V175D-MEL GenSets. These offer the segment’s best power-to-length ratio—a unique selling point – meaning they can deliver power requirements with eight fewer cylinders than rival engines, freeing up space in the engine room and lowering maintenance requirements,” Dietmar Zutt – Sales Manager, High-Speed Navy – MAN Energy Solutions, said.