Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and MTU, Germany have agreed to cooperate in the  local manufacturing of technologically-advanced MTU series 8000 engines in India.

Under the agreement, which was signed at India’s leading defence trade show Defexpo-18, the companies will manufacture the 16-cylinder and 20-cylinder MTU series 8000 engines at GSL’s new facility in Goa. The MTU brand is a worldwide leader in large diesel and gas engines and complete propulsion systems.

The pact includes transfer of MTU technology related to local manufacture of engine components, engine assembly, testing, painting and major overhauls. MTU series 8000 engines are the largest and most powerful MTU diesel engines with a power output of up to 10 MW. They are fitted onboard all offshore patrol vessels (OPV) recently constructed or currently under construction in India.

Rear Admiral (Retd) Shekhar Mital, CMD of GSL said, “In line with the thrust on indigenisation and Make in India initiative, GSL has been at the forefront for increasing the indigenous content onboard vessels constructed at GSL. Since main diesel engines constitute the heart of a ship and are among the major high value imported equipment items onboard ships, the collaboration will aid to significantly increase the indigenous content onboard ships constructed in India. It will also provide a strategic edge to Indian Defence Sector as know-how and infrastructure for such niche technology will now be available with a PSU Shipyard, which can be gainfully utilised by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard”.