MAN Diesel for the frigate 126

Damen focuses on "made in Germany"

As the Dutch company announced at the SMM in Hamburg, the propulsion diesel engines for the German Navy's new frigate class 126 are to be supplied by MAN Energy Solutions. The delivery comprises 8 MAN 32/44CR propulsion engines, two for each of the four frigates ordered. There is an option for two more frigates, i.e. four more engines for MAN to build. Whether there is a circulating reserve or replacement engines has not been disclosed and it remains unlikely at this stage.

In June 2020, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) finally awarded the construction contract for the four ships to Dutch shipbuilder DAMEN as general contractor. DAMEN Naval will deliver the frigates to the German Navy as general contractor together with the subcontractors Blohm+Voss and Thales. The ships will be built entirely in Germany at the shipyards in Wolgast, Kiel and Hamburg. The first ship is scheduled to be handed over in Hamburg in 2028.

Each vessel will be equipped with 2 × MAN 32/44CR engines, with each engine featuring MAN's own SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system to fulfil IMO Tier III regulations. In addition, the engines will be equipped with a high-displacement soft-sprung suspension system to fulfil the latest regulations in terms of shock and noise. MAN Energy Solutions will also deliver its latest development in engine control, which is state of the art in terms of cybersecurity. The 32/44CR engines will be part of a combined diesel-electric-diesel propulsion system (CODLAD) of the F126 type, enabling a top speed of more than 26 knots. The first engines will be delivered to the shipyard in early 2024.

After Hensoldt, Renk and mtu-RollsRoyce, another German company is now involved in the construction of the battleship formerly known as the MKS 180.