Doosan Diesel Generators: Performance, Price & Ship Types
Doosan marine diesel generators are a workhorse favorite in Korean-built ships — especially bulk carriers and midsize tankers. While they might not carry the prestige of brands like MAN or CAT, Doosan’s marine gensets are all about practicality: straightforward engineering, solid fuel economy, and reasonable pricing. Shipowners operating in Asia often favor Doosan units for their local parts availability and ease of service, especially when vessels frequent Korean ports. If your ship came out of yards like Hyundai Mipo or DSME, there's a good chance Doosan was spec’d from the start.
| Doosan – Generator Positioning | |
|---|---|
| Where It Fits in the Marine Generator Market | |
| Cost Tier | Mid to low. Competitive pricing for the 200–800 kW range. Not the cheapest, but offers solid value in terms of power vs. reliability. |
| Typical Users | Korean-built ships, smaller container feeders, mid-size bulk carriers, offshore support vessels, and Asian-owned tankers. |
| Performance Reputation | Dependable in hot and humid regions. Known for easy startup, low vibration, and decent lifespan when maintained properly. Not premium-tier, but far from “cheap.” |
| Serviceability | Excellent across Korea and fair in Southeast Asia. Outside that region, parts and service can take longer, so owners often stock extra components onboard. |
| Compliance | Tier II and Tier III compliant models available. Most new gensets ship with built-in emissions management and fuel optimization controls. |
| Best Fit | Good choice for cost-conscious operators seeking proven equipment that pairs well with Korean-made machinery. Particularly suited to auxiliary and backup generator roles. |
| Doosan – Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| Honest Look at What Works (and What Doesn’t) | |
| ✅ Pros |
- Affordable pricing in the 200–800 kW segment - Proven reliability in Korean-built ships - Easy to maintain with familiar engine layouts - Good efficiency for long, steady-duty cycles - Parts widely available in Korea and many SE Asian ports |
| ❌ Cons |
- Limited service footprint in Europe and the Americas - Not as fuel-efficient as high-end German or Scandinavian brands - Less modular — fewer options for advanced hybrid or parallel integration - Perception of being “less premium” can impact resale |
| Doosan – Pricing Guide | |
|---|---|
| General Market Ranges by kW Class | |
| 100–300 kW | $22,000 – $45,000 Often used for auxiliary power on feeders, tankers, and coastal vessels. |
| 300–800 kW | $45,000 – $95,000 Primary genset range for mid-size cargo vessels and workboats. |
| 800–1200+ kW | $95,000 – $160,000 Larger models used in mixed-use and hybrid propulsion configurations. Often custom-spec’d with load balancing systems. |
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.