Cummins Inc. the largest independent diesel engine manufacturer globally produces both diesel and alternative fuel engines used extensively in transport, mining, construction and as electrical generator sets, are now aggressively targeting an increase in market share of the trawler and fishing vessel market with a range of diesel engines from 2.8 to 95 litres.
“Many of South Africa’s and neighbouring countries fishing fleets operate aging vessels which will benefit from repowering with Cummins advanced diesel engines – both as main propulsion units and on board electrical generator sets” said Mark Sylvester, Cummins Marine Sales Manager, whose responsibilities cover the African coastline.
The company has an enviable reputation of producing robust and reliable prime movers and gen sets since its establishment in 1919, with a focus on quality, dependability and the community.
“Outputs range from 2,5 to 3,500 kW, making them ideal for the large number of smaller fishing and support vessels that operate in our waters” explained Mark.
“Units are fully marinised and conform to international class types required by maritime authorities” he said, explaining that it already supplies a range of engines and equipment to local boat yards and ship builders.
The Cummins Marine range also includes the Onan product from 4kW through to 80kW in both 50 and 60Hz with functionality to meet customised solutions. The Cummins service network serves customers through 600 company owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 7 400 dealer locations in more than 190 countries and territories.
Facilities that ensure immediate parts availability for service items as well as highly trained technicians that can be despatched to solve customer problems at any operation whether land or sea based.
“In addition to supplying new engines and associated ancillaries, our Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg facilities have fully equipped servicing, workshop, field service and maintenance facilities and offer service exchange units at a fraction of the cost of a brand new engine, when customers are really getting a new engine, as all internal components are refurbished or replaced to factory specifications and carry new engine warranties. Service exchange makes real sense as vessel downtime is drastically reduced compared with overhauling a customer’s original unit, a crucial factor in the fishing industry where vessels need to be at sea 24/7.”
Expansion into the fishing industry is but one part of Cummins Africa strategy.
“We see enormous potential on this continent and have Cummins distributors and facilities for aftermarket support across the continent including Lagos and Port Hardcourt in Nigeria, Luanda, Angola and in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Expansion of our operations continue in Angola to provide services to the offshore mining and oil and gas industries” he concluded.
