Extended TBO Intervals on MTU Engines

Significantly extended engine running times between overhauls (TBO) for the latest generation of its mtu Series 4000 engines.

Improvements

In general, these engines can now run for up to 25 years before they need a major overhaul. Note that this depends on the duration and intensity of use. But, that is 7 years more than previously recommended. Thus, making an important contribution to sustainability and resource conservation. Moreover, allows its customers to significantly reduce operating costs as well as enable better plannability.

These improvements are a result of the almost legendary reliability and robustness while also the Big Data analysis of tens of thousands of real engine data sets. Hence, accurately predicts the engine and component running times.

The company will release the new improvements at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans (1-3 Dec). 

“Making the operation of commercial vessels more sustainable and climate-friendly is a key driver for us. The longer intervals between major overhauls mean, among other things, that fewer parts have to be produced and the amount of travel among service personnel is significantly reduced, which is good for the climate. Lifecycle costs are reduced for our customers, helping them to compete in the tough marketplace.” 

Denise Kurtulus, Vice President Global Marine, Rolls-Royce Power Systems

For Nerds

The first task is to adjust the TBO and maintenance intervals of the latest generation of Series 4000 (M05). This is valid for all load profiles.
Particularly, a 16V 4000 M65L tugboat engine in the lowest load profile for this application (“Tug low”) will have double TBO, 54,000 hours.
Above all, the M55R type mtu engine offers the longest TBO with a running time of 96,000 hours. This is in the lowest load profile. 

The above impressive figures are possible due to;

• Robustness and reliability of the mtu Series 4000
• 25 years’ experience of operating these engines
• Careful analysis using the latest algorithms

The company has a database of more than 50,000 data sets from 18,000 engines in service. On this basis, Rolls-Royce can predict exactly the operating life of each component. Therefore, replacement only takes place when it is necessary.
Hence, saving resources, working time, and costs for the operator.

The near future plans are to adapt the TBO intervals for the M03 and M04 engine generations of Series 4000.

With the sustainability program “Net Zero at Power Systems”, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is taking concrete steps towards climate-neutral solutions. For example, starting in 2023, the company will certify its Series 2000 and 4000 engines for sustainable fuels such as e-diesel and second-generation biofuels, thus enabling climate-neutral operation in all applications. This opposes competition to the leading methanol-ammonia WinGD engines.

In addition to using sustainable fuels, the company is also working on new technologies such as CO2-free fuel cell systems. Similar concepts have already been introduced in tugs and fishing vessels.

Source: mtu