Case Study: Mahachai Dockyard addresses trawler power needs with Cummins marine engines

More Boats but Crew Shortages

Mahachai Dockyard, a Thai shipbuilder, was constructing six new trawlers for the distant-water fishing fleet at a time when the industry faced major crew shortages and high crew turnover. The vessels ranged from 25 to 45 meters and needed reliable marine propulsion for long trips to the fishing grounds in Indonesia. Cummins supplied the KTA38 marine engine platform, rated at 800 or 1000 HP depending on vessel requirements.

Cummins provided the engine solution that powered the six trawlers, continuing a relationship in which about 80% of the Thai fleet was already Cummins powered. The result was a fleet of vessels fit for long-range fishing operations with strong service support in port from Cummins dealer PT. Altrak 1978. While the case study highlights that crewing remained a major industry challenge, Cummins’ engines helped Mahachai Dockyard deliver boats ready for service and supported productive catches of mackerel and squid.

Mahachai Dockyard

Sakchai Rujiphapra

Director