Star marine dealers ready to show Cummins at its best

Two of the brightest stars of the Cummins European marine dealer network will be sharing their stories of success at the Maritime Industry trade show taking place in Gorinchem this week.

The dealers – Marine Power Drechtsteden (MPD) and De Groot Diesel Marine Services, both based in Dordrecht in the Netherlands – are hosting booths at the annual event for the inland waterways market, which expects to attract more than 9,000 visitors over its three days (May 20-22).

Both businesses will be extolling the virtues of the Cummins X15, one of three Stage V-certified diesel engines in the Cummins marine portfolio, which will expand to five by the end of the year when the B4.5 and QSK38 will be joined by the QSB 6.7 and QSL9.

All the Stage V engines can run on paraffinic diesel fuels like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) that meet the EN 15940 standard in Europe. This is increasingly important as operators consider their options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

MPD will also be sharing details of a new type-approved auxiliary power generator set based on the Stage V B4.5 which owner Dennis van Wijlen developed in collaboration with Cummins.

MPD (booths J18 and K22) and De Groot (D18) are shining examples of the professionalism required to enjoy sustained success in the constantly evolving marine sector.

“We at Cummins are very fortunate to have enjoyed long and productive relationships with MPD and De Groot,” said Ventsislava Shahanova, Marine Sales Manager for the Benelux region.

“Not only do they represent us with distinction but the customer feedback they provide to us is invaluable in terms of product development.”

The new Cummins/MPD genset, which has three power ratings options – 76kW, 91kW and 112kW all at 1500rpm – is being built at MPD’s facility in Dordrecht. It has been type-approved by a number of societies, including DNV, BV, LR, CCR, KR and ABS, to be compliant with inland waterways and sea-going vessel class regulations.

MPD has proven expertise in supplying and manufacturing generator sets for inland and seagoing vessels, dredging, offshore installations, workboats, and mega yachts.

Dennis van Wijlen expects initial demand for the new B4.5 genset will be for dry cargo vessels and small ships paired with the smooth and refined Cummins Stage V X15 for main propulsion. Initial response to the X15 has been extremely positive, said Dennis, with customers impressed in particular with its quietness.

With further type approvals, Dennis expects the big opportunity for MPD and Cummins with the new genset to be in the tanker market alongside the 38-litre V12 QSK38. With a power range of 1000 to 1400 horsepower (746 to 1044 kW), the QSK38 is engineered to meet the demanding needs of tankers and larger workboats.

There are around 16,000 vessels in the tanker fleet working the waterways in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium up to the Danube region.

Dennis van Wijlen founded MPD in 2014. For the 15 years before that, he enjoyed a successful career working as an engineer and high-level service specialist for Cummins. Dennis is seen as one of the most dynamic and innovative business leaders within the Cummins European marine dealer network.

“Dennis is one of our most loyal and trusted dealers,” said Ventsislava Shahanova, “and he was the inspiration for the new Stage V B4.5-powered genset, investing his own money to get the project off the ground.”

Meanwhile, Martin De Groot, a 62-year-old marine sector veteran who has been working with Cummins for the past 30 years, is looking forward to Maritime Industry and promoting the new range of Stage V Cummins engines.

So impressed was Martin with the X15 when it was launched that he put his business De Groot Diesel Marine Services at the head of the queue for orders, acquiring 20 units from the Cummins factory in Darlington, northern England.

De Groot had the distinction of performing the first installation in Europe of the new X15 when the 63m motor freighter Samsam was brought into its Dordrecht facility in 2023. Since then, it has installed a further 13 X15s.

“Our customers are very happy with the X15,” said Martin. “I like to think some of the tweaks we suggested to Cummins right at the start have helped. Anything that makes servicing easier has to be a good thing. We did the same with the QSK38.

“It’s great and makes very good sense that Cummins takes the views of its dealers on board. If we can make servicing more straightforward, that will help with the overall total cost of ownership.”

At its core, the Stage V X15 builds upon Cummins' legacy of reliable engine design. It delivers a broad power range, typically spanning from 450 to 675 horsepower (336 to 503 kW), making it ideally suited for a diverse array of applications, including tugboats, workboats, fishing vessels, and inland waterway transport.

This ample power output ensures strong vessel performance, whether manoeuvring in tight harbours, towing heavy loads, or maintaining consistent speeds across long distances.

A key characteristic of the Stage V X15 is its advanced aftertreatment system. This sophisticated suite of technologies, including a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), effectively minimises nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions to levels mandated by the stringent Stage V regulations.

With the Stage V X15 Cummins has focused on fuel efficiency, incorporating advanced combustion technology and electronic controls to maximise power output while minimising fuel consumption.

This translates directly into lower operating costs for vessel owners over the engine’s lifespan. Furthermore, the engine's robust design and Cummins' extensive global support network contribute to enhanced uptime and reduced maintenance requirements, crucial factors for maximising vessel availability and profitability.

The integration of digital connectivity also allows for advanced monitoring and diagnostics, enabling proactive maintenance and further optimizing operational efficiency.

De Groot will have a model of the X15 at Gorinchem, alongside a Stage V QSK38, a proven engine in both propulsion and auxiliary marine applications.

A key feature of the Stage V QSK38 is its advanced Modular Common Rail Fuel System (MCRS). This system ensures consistently high injection pressure, regardless of engine speed or load, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, reduced noise and vibration, enhanced idle stability, and strong low-end torque, beneficial for towing and acceleration.

Like the X15, the QSK38 utilises an integrated aftertreatment system, incorporating SCR system and a DPF. Multiple aftertreatment configurations are available, offering flexibility for both new-builds and repowering projects.

The QSK38 is built upon a reliable base engine design, sharing common components with Cummins' proven K19, K38, and K50 series. This ensures durability and a long service life. Features like cast-iron, ductile single-piece pistons with nitride-coated rings and hardened cylinder liners further enhance engine longevity.

Recognising the diverse operational requirements of commercial vessels, De Groot Diesel Marine Services has its own boat design service, its own brand of bow thrusters and ballast pumps (Van Ballegooy), and its facilities boast three dry docks.

“Martin is hugely respected in the marine industry. We admire him as a business leader and we value his knowledge and connections,” said Ventsislava Shahanova.