Top Ship Diesel Generators: Price and Compare
Replacing a ship diesel generator isn’t something you do often — but when it’s time, you want the right specs, a trusted brand, and pricing that doesn’t leave you dead in the water. Here’s what you need to know before buying.
| What You Can Expect to Pay (Ship Diesel Generators) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Output Tier | kW Range | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Common Vessel Types |
| Light-Duty Gensets | 40 – 150 kW | $15,000 – $45,000 | Tugs, crew boats, pilot vessels, small cargo ships |
| Mid-Range Generators | 150 – 500 kW | $45,000 – $125,000 | Bulk carriers, trawlers, supply vessels, container feeders |
| High-Output Units | 500 – 1,500 kW | $125,000 – $350,000+ | Tankers, OSVs, passenger ferries, large dry cargo ships |
| Custom/Heavy-Duty Systems | 1,500 kW and up | $350,000 – $1M+ | Cruise ships, offshore rigs, power barges, specialized vessels |
| Ship Diesel Generator Brands Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cost Tier | Reputation | Common Vessel Types | Strong Regions |
| Volvo Penta | Mid–High | Strong performance and fuel efficiency; popular in hybrid setups | Ferries, coastal vessels, patrol ships, small tankers | Europe, Scandinavia, Americas, coastal markets worldwide |
| Weichai | Low–Mid | Reliable for cost-conscious operators; good support in Asia | Bulk carriers, trawlers, cargo ships | China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America |
| Perkins | Mid | Well-known brand; strong availability for spares | Crew boats, cargo ships, offshore supply vessels | Global, especially UK, Middle East, South Asia |
| Cummins | Mid–High | Strong support network; excellent service records | OSVs, tankers, tugboats, ferries | North America, Europe, Middle East |
| MAN Energy Solutions | High | Premium brand; long lifespan, extremely durable | Large tankers, bulk carriers, cruise ships | Europe, major global fleets |
| Caterpillar (CAT) | High | Top-tier global reputation; ultra-tough marine generators | Tugs, dredgers, tankers, OSVs, offshore rigs | North America, offshore fleets, ports worldwide |
| Mitsubishi | Mid–High | Trusted for long-running performance; widely used in Asia-Pacific fleets | Tankers, bulk carriers, offshore service vessels | Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, global OEM installs |
| Doosan | Low–Mid | Reliable, cost-effective choice in Korean-built vessels; decent parts support | Cargo ships, trawlers, regional commercial fleets | South Korea, Asia, expanding into Africa |
| Hyundai HiMSEN | High | Top-tier power output; known for smart systems and integration | Large container ships, LNG carriers, power barges | South Korea, Middle East, major global shipyards |
| ABC (Anglo Belgian Corp.) | High | Heavy-duty builds with long lifespans; ideal for endurance operations | Cargo ships, dredgers, offshore utility vessels | Europe, West Africa, increasingly global |
ShipUniverse: Generator Decision Guide
Find the Best Generators and Top Deals
Our team helps vessel owners like you find the right diesel generator for your ship — without the pressure. We work with top suppliers to help you compare specs, get the best pricing, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re outfitting a new build or replacing an old unit, we’re here to make the process easier and faster. Get started with our quick quote request form below.