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Genuine CCEC Cummins KTA38-DM768 Marine Auxiliary Engine Supplier
The Cummins KTA38-DM768 is a heavy-duty marine auxiliary diesel engine developed by Chongqing Cummins Engine Company (CCEC) for shipboard power generation applications. Rated at 768kW (1030HP) at 1800 RPM, this engine is widely used as the prime mover for marine generator sets operating on fishing vessels, cargo ships, offshore support vessels and harbour service boats.
Unlike propulsion engines that directly drive the propeller, the KTA38-DM768 is designed to provide dependable onboard electrical power. The engine combines Cummins' proven K38 platform with a robust PT fuel system, advanced turbocharging technology and a durable cast-iron structure suitable for continuous marine operation.
For shipowners and marine equipment contractors, one of the biggest advantages of the KTA38-DM768 is its long service history. Many vessels operating in demanding coastal and offshore environments continue to use the K38 platform because spare parts remain readily available worldwide and maintenance procedures are familiar to marine engineers.
As a professional engine supplier, HekoPower provides complete engines, replacement parts support, technical documentation and export logistics services for customers involved in new vessel construction, generator set assembly and fleet maintenance projects.
Tech Specs of Cummins KTA38-DM768
General Engine Data
Engine Model: Cummins KTA38-DM768
Type: 12 Cylinders, V Type, 4 Stroke, Diesel
Displacement: 38 L
Bore * Stroke: 159 * 159
Net Weight (with flywheel & alternator): 4155 Kg
Overall Dimension: 2003mm*1362mm*1661mm
Engine Configuration No.: D233037MX02
Key Performance Data
Rated Power/Standby Power: 768 kW/1030HP, 847 kW/1135HP
Rated Speed: 1800 rpm
Low Idle Speed: 725-775 rpm
Fuel Consumption (Running Speed): 232 g/kW.hr
Torque/Rated Speed: 4074 N.m @ 1500 rpm
More Technical Data
Certification: CCS/IMO Certificates
Aspiration: Turbocharged/Aftercooled
Compression Radio: 15.5:1
Fuel System: Cummins Pressure Time (PT Pump)
Starting System: Electrical starting motor (24V)
Cooling Method: Water cooling
Cooling Method: Sea water pump, Heat exchanger, Wet exhaust manifold
Technical Comparison: KTA38-DM768 vs. Alternative Marine Platforms
Engine buyers often weigh the 768kW marine auxiliary engine against other block configurations within the Cummins family, such as the smaller K38 inline units or the larger KTA50 series.
Power Density and Footprint Advantages
While a standard Cummins K38 marine engine platform shares the same 38-liter total displacement, the specific DM768 auxiliary tuning offers unique advantages over older marine propulsion blocks. The mechanical structure achieves 1030HP without overstressing the cylinder heads, maintaining low peak cylinder pressures.
Compared to a larger V16 KTA50 platform, the KTA38-DM768 saves over 1,200 kg in engine room weight and reduces the required structural footprint by nearly a meter in length. This makes it an ideal option for mid-sized vessels that require substantial auxiliary electricity but face strict space constraints.
Auxiliary Power Factors vs. Propulsion Tuning
Propulsion engines must handle wide, variable RPM curves to account for vessel speed changes and propeller slip. In contrast, the KTA38-DM768 1800RPM marine engine is locked into a fixed-speed governor profile.
This fixed 1800 RPM synchronization is fine-tuned to match standard 60 Hz marine alternators. The internal crankshaft balancing, flywheel housing, and camshaft profiles are optimized strictly to handle sudden, massive electrical load drops and spikes without dropping frequency below classification society limits.
Marine Applications and Real Deployment Scenarios
The 1030HP Cummins marine engine platform is a versatile prime mover used across several commercial maritime sectors. Its power output satisfies the peak demands of onboard cooling, cargo handling, and backup propulsion power.
Commercial Cargo Ship Generator Engine
Large container carriers and dry bulk cargo ships utilize the KTA38-DM768 as a dedicated marine genset diesel engine. While the main two-stroke engine drives the vessel forward, this auxiliary unit runs non-stop to power the vessel's living quarters, steering gear, navigational arrays, and cargo hold ventilation fans.
Fishing Vessel Auxiliary Power
Deep-sea trawlers and factory fishing vessels place immense stress on their auxiliary machinery. A fishing vessel auxiliary engine must simultaneously provide power for massive hydraulic net winches, refrigeration compressors for the catch holds, and onboard processing equipment. The high low-end torque of the 12-cylinder engine keeps these heavy systems running even in rough North Atlantic seas.
Tug Boat Auxiliary Engine Deployments
Harbor and coastal tug boats require compact machinery that delivers high immediate power. Tug operations involve rapid shifts between standby idling and maximum towing capacity. The turbocharged, aftercooled induction system of the DM768 responds instantly to sudden power demands from heavy towing winches and bow thrusters.
Offshore Support and Specialized Vessels
For offshore support vessel generator engine installations, redundancy and reliability are non-negotiable. These vessels operate near oil platforms where dynamic positioning systems must maintain precise vessel coordinates. The KTA38-DM768 is deployed here with a specialized CCS certified marine auxiliary engine rating, ensuring compliance with strict International Maritime Organization (IMO) emissions standards.
Maintenance, Overhaul, and Parts Replacement Tips
To maximize the service lifespan of a Cummins KTA38 auxiliary engine, fleet engineers must strictly adhere to preventive maintenance schedules. Operating in salt-heavy marine environments speeds up component wear if maintenance is neglected.
Critical Mid-Life Service Intervals
Every 250 operational hours, engineers must replace the engine oil, fuel filters, and bypass oil filters. Because the PT fuel system relies on clean fuel to prevent injector tip scoring, installing high-efficiency water separators upstream is essential.
At the 2,000-hour mark, overhead maintenance requires checking and adjusting the valve lash and injector clearances. Misaligned injectors cause uneven fuel distribution across the 12 cylinders, which increases fuel consumption and raises exhaust gas temperatures.
Sourcing Genuine Cummins KTA38-DM768 Replacement Parts
When components inevitably wear down, using cheap aftermarket parts introduces massive risks to marine operations. HekoPower operates as a factory-direct exporter of original CCEC KTA38-DM768 components.
Using genuine parts ensures that replacement liner kits, pistons, main bearings, and turbocharger cartridges match the exact metallurgical formulas required by the factory. Mixing non-genuine parts into a V12 block can lead to thermal imbalances, warped cylinder liners, and eventual catastrophic engine failure while out at sea.
Major Overhaul Protocols
A complete out-of-frame overhaul is typically required every 15,000 to 20,000 operational hours, depending on fuel quality and load factors. During this overhaul, engineers must replace the main crankshaft bearings, connecting rod bushings, and cylinder liners.
Before reassembling the engine block, the cooling jackets must be chemically flushed to remove scale buildup, ensuring the raw-water heat exchanger maintains optimal heat rejection profiles.
Cummins K38-DM Series, Marine Auxilliary Diesel Engines for commercial and recreational applications, original products from Chongqing Cummins Engine Plant(CCEC). This series mainly includes KT38-DM560, KT38-DM679, KTA38-DM664, KTA38-DM768, KTA38-DM809, KTA38-DM814, KTA38-DM880, KTA38-DM1007. All engines complete with sea water pump, heat exchanger, CCS/IMO certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the KTA38-DM768
What marine classification certificates are available for this engine model?
As a professional Cummins marine engine exporter, HekoPower supplies this engine with complete classification registry documentation. The KTA38-DM768 is regularly supplied with China Classification Society (CCS) certification. Upon advance contract request during project planning, we can coordinate factory inspection documentation compliant with other international marine registries.
How does HekoPower structure its KTA38-DM768 wholesale price for shipyard projects?
Our commercial pricing scales dynamically based on the project scope and total unit volume. For international shipyards managing multi-vessel builds, we provide comprehensive package rates that include the bare engine block, matching alternators, instrument panels, and initial maintenance parts kits. You can contact our sales engineering department directly to receive a formal commercial quotation tailored to your specific hull configuration.
Can this engine be directly coupled to a 50 Hz marine generator?
The standard KTA38-DM768 specification sheet optimizes performance at 1800 RPM for 60 Hz electrical output. If your vessel infrastructure relies on a 50 Hz grid, the engine requires a different governor calibration and fuel pump timing profile to run efficiently at 1500 RPM. For 50 Hz installations, we typically recommend evaluating alternative KTA38 models tuned explicitly by CCEC for lower-speed synchronization.
What is the standard production lead time for a complete engine assembly?
Standard production lead times at the CCEC factory generally range from 30 to 45 days, depending on current assembly line scheduling and any required custom marine classifications. HekoPower manages the entire logistical chain, including export customs clearance, maritime packing, and secure inland transport to the shipping port. This ensures your project timeline remains on track.
