Belgium’s independent maker shows resilience

David Tinsley writes: The 2,574dwt sisters Union Gold, Union Silver and Union Bronze are each fitted with a six-cylinder model of the DZC series, manufactured at ABC’s Ghent factory. Designed to run on marine diesel oil (MDO), the engine installation delivers 1,104kW at 800rpm, driving a nozzled, fixed pitch Lips propeller through a Reintjes reverse/reduction gearbox.

The prolific output from Ghent reflects the enduring popularity of ABC medium-speed power in the inland tanker, tug, and fishing vessel sectors, for clients in both Europe and Asia, with inland cargo vessels, coasters and special-purpose vessels also extending the application list.

Earlier this year, the company achieved a first reference in the Canadian market through the repowering of Purvis Marine’s 1973-built tug Anglian Lady. The vessel’s original Deutz engine was replaced with two ABC six-cylinder DZC engines delivering 1,400kW apiece at 900rpm.

Although its roots are in the marine engineering business, ABC’s steady diversification has been such that it serves power generation, rail traction and industrial markets as well marine propulsion and marine genset customers. Mainstays of the production programme for marine users include the six-cylinder in-line and 12-cylinder vee-form models of the DZC series, at running speeds of between 720 and 1,000rpm. The portfolio also embraces eight cylinder in-line and 16-cylinder vee configurations of the DZC, up to a maximum 3,800kW, plus the DXC in-line family to 883kW at 750rpm.

A new engine model is under development, although details are not available as yet. Technical work in hand insofar as engines for the marine market are concerned is influenced by preparations for the Tier III emissions regime. The company is testing and evaluating a range of possible solutions, including exhaust gas recovery (EGR), water emulsion, and Miller timing. In addition, ABC technicians are investigating possibilities for adapting its current line of dual-fuel engines to the needs of marine users.