SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s modernization efforts, German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) has secured a contract to supply advanced propulsion packages for five new Fleet Support Ships (FSS). The deal, signed with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities with cutting-edge technology. Announced on April 15, 2025, this contract marks a milestone in the Indian Navy’s journey toward self-reliance and operational excellence.
The contract includes the delivery of ten 20V32/44CR marine engines, which will serve as the heart of the propulsion systems for the five FSS vessels. These engines, among the largest ever supplied to the Indian Navy, are complemented by main reduction gearboxes, shaft generators, bow thrusters, and MAN Alpha Navy Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) systems. The 32/44CR engines are renowned for their reliability and efficiency, making them a trusted choice for medium-speed marine diesel applications in naval fleets worldwide.
Gaby Hanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Region Middle East at MAN Energy Solutions, emphasized the significance of the order, stating, “This is a substantial order, and we are very happy that the Indian Navy has asked us to provide a propulsion package that matches the needs of this demanding application. We are delighted to partner with Hindustan Shipyard on this prestigious project.” Hanna highlighted the propulsion package’s ability to meet critical naval requirements, including reliability, efficiency, shock resistance, and integrated logistics support, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance.
The FSS program, initiated with a contract signed between the Indian Navy and HSL in August 2023, aims to deliver a new class of large replenishment vessels designed to enhance the Navy’s operational reach. These ships, with a displacement exceeding 40,000 tons, will carry fuel, water, ammunition, and stores, enabling prolonged missions without the need to return to port. Additionally, the vessels will support humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations, equipped to evacuate personnel and deliver relief materials during natural calamities.
To meet stringent delivery timelines, HSL has partnered with private shipbuilder Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard at Kattupalli, with two of the five FSS vessels being constructed at L&T’s facility. This collaboration reflects India’s strategy to leverage its shipbuilding capacity and foster public-private partnerships. MAN Energy Solutions is also contributing to India’s “Make in India” initiative by supplying two shaft generators per vessel, each with a capacity of 1 MWe, manufactured locally in India. The company will oversee the installation and commissioning of all equipment through its Indian subsidiary, further strengthening local capabilities.
Hemant Khatri, Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, praised MAN ES’s global reputation and urged the company to deepen its engagement in India by increasing local manufacturing content and enhancing post-delivery support infrastructure. “MAN can contribute significantly to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and further strengthen their collaboration with Indian Navy and maritime stakeholders,” Khatri said.
The FSS vessels are a critical component of the Indian Navy’s ambition to double the tonnage of its surface fleet to over 600,000 tons in the next decade, excluding auxiliary vessels. With a full load displacement of 44,700 tons—surpassing even India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant—these ships will be the largest in the Navy’s inventory. They will support long-range deployments, including upcoming projects like the follow-on Vikrant-class carrier, Next Generation Destroyers, and Project 17B frigates, ensuring sustained operations in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
The propulsion systems provided by MAN ES are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of naval operations, offering shock resistance, cybersecurity, and low-emission capabilities. Marita Krems, Senior Vice President and Head of Four-Stroke Marine & License at MAN ES, described the project as “another milestone for our increasingly important navy business,” expressing enthusiasm for further collaboration with HSL and the Indian Navy.
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