4,000hp Cummins challenges medium speed
The QSK95 marine engine from Cummins, a high-speed engine intended to challenge medium-speed technology
Cummins is to launch a new QSK95 engine with 4,000bhp (2,983kW) output in the commercial marine market. The company says this will be the most powerful high-speed diesel for marine propulsion and gensets.
The 95-litre displacement 16-cylinder engine is designed to be capable of meeting EPA Tier 4 low-emissions regulations taking effect in 2014. The QSK95 will be available in power configurations for propulsion, auxiliary, genset and diesel electric applications, with ratings from 3,200bhp to 4,000bhp (2,386kW to 2,983kW). It is targeted at heavy-duty, high-hour applications such as tugs, inland waterway towboats, offshore support vessels, passenger transport, dredgers, short sea cargo ships and coastal tankers.
The QSK95 meets IMO Tier II and EPA Tier 3 emissions standards. For more highly-regulated areas it will, says Cummins, pave the way for 4,000bhp marine engines to achieve EPA Tier 4 emissions using the company’s own exhaust after-treatment systems, which are said to reduce space constraints.
The company says that while achieving a power output previously exclusive to medium-speed marine engines, the QSK95 brings advantages of lower capital cost, more compact installation and exceptional fuel efficiency. Extended service and more cost-effective rebuilds are claimed as further economic benefits.
The QSK95 is designed for integration with Cummins C Command Elite Premium and Elite Plus class-approved panels. C Command instrument panels include a selection of monitoring and display options to help operators protect and enhance engine operations and manage operating costs by logging critical operating parameters such as engine load, duty cycle, speed and fuel consumption, while providing diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. A common point of connection in the customer interface box simplifies the link between engine electronics and vessel systems.
The QSK95 has been engineered to meet Green Passport requirements for zero disposal impact. The Cummins Eliminator oil filtration system eliminates the need for lube oil filters, while on-engine fuel filter replacement cartridges are said to offer more cost-effective maintenance and disposal.
“The QSK95 will allow Cummins to meet our customers’ growing power requirements, while meeting increasingly more stringent global emissions,” said Jenny Bush, general manager – Cummins commercial marine business. “It also strengthens Cummins position as a global player in the commercial marine industry by allowing us to enter new market segments.”
“With countless successful globally coordinated projects to our credit, the technical teams assigned to QSK95 marine projects will work closely with the customer, shipyard and naval architect to ensure long-term benefit,” said Geoff Conrad, QSK95 account executive – cummins commercial marine business. “We are looking forward to working with our current and prospective customers on QSK95 opportunities and projects.”
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