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CCEC Cummins KT38-M780 Marine Propulsion Engine 780HP for Heavy-Duty Vessels
The CCEC Cummins KT38-M780 marine propulsion engine is a 780HP (582kW) heavy-duty diesel engine engineered for continuous marine operation. As part of the Chongqing Cummins K38-M series, this engine is widely used in tugboats, fishing vessels, cargo ships, and offshore workboats requiring reliable propulsion and high torque at low speeds.
Tech Specs of Cummins KT38-M780
General Engine Data
Engine Model: Cummins KT38-M780
Type: 12 Cylinders, V Type, 4 strokes
Displacement: 38 L
Bore * Stroke: 159 * 159
Net Weight (with flywheel & alternator): 4457 Kg
Overall Dimension: 2152mm*1462mm*2083mm
Engine Configuration No.: D232007MX02
Key Performance Data
Rated Power: 582 kW/780HP
Rated Speed: 1800 rpm
Low Idle Speed: 675-725 rpm
High Idle Speed: 1962-2106 rpm
Rating Type: Continuous Running
Fuel Consumption (Running Speed): 142 L/hr
More Technical Data
Certification: CCS/IMO Certificates
Governor Type: Mechanical Control
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Compression Radio: 15.5:1
Fuel System: Cummins Pressure Time (PT Pump)
Starting System: Electrical Start (24V)
Lowest Starting Temp Without auxiliary system: -12℃
Cooling Method: Sea water pump, Heat exchanger, Water cooled
Key Features of Cummins KT38-M780 Marine Engine
High Power Output for Marine Propulsion
With a rated output of 780HP at 1800RPM, the KT38-M780 provides stable propulsion for medium to heavy vessels. The engine’s V-type 12-cylinder design and 38L displacement ensure strong torque output for propeller-driven systems.
Advanced PT Fuel System with STC Technology
The Cummins PT fuel system combined with Step Timing Control (STC) improves fuel efficiency and combustion stability. This allows the engine to maintain performance under varying marine load conditions.
Marine-Optimized Cooling and Exhaust Options
The engine supports:
- Seawater cooling systems (heat exchanger or keel cooling)
- Dry or wet exhaust manifold configurations
These options allow adaptation to different vessel designs and environmental conditions.
Advanced Technology for Performance and Efficiency
The twin-turbocharger system is optimized for marine use, ensuring consistent power delivery. HekoPower offers flexible cooling system options, including keel cooling or engine-mounted plate heat exchanger systems, to suit your vessel's design. With a lowest starting temperature of -12°C without aids, it guarantees starts in cold climates.
Marine Applications: From Harbor Tugboats to Dredgers
Propeller Curve and Load Characteristics
Understanding the propeller load curve characteristics of KT38-M780 is vital for naval architects. This engine is designed to follow a fixed-pitch propeller curve perfectly, providing the high torque needed to overcome water resistance at low RPMs. With a maximum torque of 2967 N.m, it provides the "muscle" required for:
- Dredger main drive engines: Sustained high-torque for sediment removal.
- Commercial fishing boats: Reliability during longlining or trawling.
- Barge power: Moving heavy loads across inland waterways.
Commercial Workboats & Tugboats
For heavy-duty work, our Cummins 780HP for fishing boat & tug boat applications delivers exceptional bollard pull and towing capacity. The KT38-M780 for tug boat and cargo ship propulsion is often configured with a Heat Exchanger cooled system for maximum protection against saltwater corrosion. We offer complete packages including Cummins KT38-M780 with Twin Disc Gearbox (MGX series) or ZF transmissions, ensuring seamless power transfer to the propeller shaft. Whether you need a Heavy-duty workboat engine for harbor duties or an offshore supply vessel powerplant, the M780 is up to the task.
Fishing Fleets & Passenger Ferries
In the commercial fishing industry, fuel efficiency is profit. The Fuel efficiency of Cummins 780HP marine engine for longlining and trawling operations is superior thanks to the optimized torque curve. Similarly, for Passenger ferry propulsion engine Cummins KTA38 applications, the smooth operation and rapid response of the M780 ensure passenger comfort and schedule reliability. For luxury applications, we also provide 582KW marine diesel engine for yacht/motorboat configurations with dry exhaust marine options for cleaner engine rooms.
Retrofitting & Repowering Projects
Many vessel owners are looking to replace old marine engine with Cummins K38. The KT38-M780 vs KT38-M800 comparison often favors the M780 for its balance of power and fuel consumption. Our team provides a comprehensive Retrofitting guide: replacing old engine with KT38-M780, helping you upgrade from older NT855 or KTA19 models to this powerful 12-cylinder solution. We ensure the SAE 1 housing marine propulsion configuration matches your existing gearbox interface, minimizing installation downtime.
Technical Comparison: KT38-M780 vs. G-Series
KT38-M780 vs K19-G4 marine vs power generation
The G4 is fixed-speed for electricity; the M780 is variable-speed for propulsion, featuring a seawater cooling & heat exchanger system, marine-grade raw water pumps, and a different governor map.
KT38-M780 vs KT38-M600/M800
The M780 sits in the "sweet spot" of the CCEC K38-M series 600HP-900HP marine propulsion engine comparison, offering higher power than the M600 without the peak fuel consumption of the M800, making it ideal for continuous running applications.
Cooling Options
We offer both Keel cooled vs Heat Exchanger cooled KT38-M780 solutions depending on your vessel's hull design and operating region.
Global Standards: CCS and IMO Tier II Certification
Compliance is non-negotiable in modern shipping. HekoPower offers the CCS IMO certified Cummins K38 engine, meeting the stringent requirements of the International Maritime Organization. Whether you need a 780HP CCS IMO certified marine diesel engine for international waters or a CCS certified marine engine for barge power in domestic territory, we provide the full documentation suite required for vessel registration and insurance.
HekoPower: Your Expert CCEC Cummins Supplier
Choosing HekoPower means more than just buying hardware; it’s about securing a supply chain partner. We offer CCEC Chongqing Cummins KT38-M780 factory direct pricing with a 12 months global warranty.
Our logistics team specializes in exporting KT38-M780 engines to Southeast Asia / Middle East and other global hubs. We maintain a competitive lead time for Chongqing Cummins KT38-M780 main engine orders, typically delivering within 20-30 days. From providing a detailed KT38-M780 technical datasheet to offering a complete spare parts kit for KT38-M780 overhaul, HekoPower is your one-stop shop for genuine CCEC Cummins KT38-M780 marine engine solutions.
For vessels requiring different power within the robust K38 series, HekoPower supplies the full range. Cummins K38-M Series (K38 Marine Engine), marine propulsion engines for commercial and recreational applications, original products from Chongqing Cummins Engine Plant(CCEC). This series mainly includes KT38-M600, KT38-M780, KT38-M800, KT38-M850, KT38-M900, KTA38-M1 (1000 HP), KTA38-M1 (1100 HP), KTA38-M2 (545 HP), KTA38-M2 (1050 HP), KTA38-M2 (1200 HP), KTA38-M2 (1300 HP), KTA38-M2 (1350 HP). All engines complete with sea water pump, heat exchanger, CCS/IMO certificates.