At the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, MAN Engines will present its 30-litre MAN V12X engine in a hybrid configuration for the first time.
The addition extends the company’s Smart HYBRID Experience portfolio to system outputs of more than 2 MW per powertrain, providing options for larger yachts and more demanding operational requirements.
The MAN Smart HYBRID Experience combines diesel engines with electric motors rated at either 200 or 400 kW. The new V12X Hybrid joins existing in-line six-cylinder, V8 and V12 models covering displacements between 12 and 24 litres. Series production of these smaller units is already underway.
The 30-litre V12X is based on a new engine platform and produces up to 1,618 kW (2,200 hp). Despite the higher output, it maintains installation dimensions similar to MAN’s 24-litre V12, simplifying integration for ship designers and retrofit projects.
Key technical updates include:
- Higher torque output
- Revised coolant and oil supply
- Common-rail injection at 2,200 bar
The engine is compatible with MAN’s modular hybrid system architecture, which allows hybridisation of up to 35% of total power output.
The Smart HYBRID Experience supports multiple operating modes:
- Battery-electric mode for silent, emission-free operation and onboard power supply
- Diesel-electric mode for power generation
- Boost mode, combining diesel and electric output
- Conventional diesel operation, with optional parallel battery charging
Batteries can be charged via shore power or during engine operation. The hybrid system uses a high-voltage battery with up to 600 VDC, managed by converters regulating the DC-Link voltage between 660 and 780 VDC.
The hybrid system is designed to reduce fuel consumption, noise levels and emissions while offering operational flexibility. Battery-electric operation can enable entry to Emission Controlled Areas.
All MAN marine engines, including the V12X, are approved for use with renewable diesel (EN15940 in Europe and ASTM D975 in the US). The engines comply with international emission standards, and propulsion variants are available for charter operations.
