RTA96C
The WinGD RTA96C is a low‑speed, two‑stroke crosshead diesel main engine delivering up to ~80 MW per unit, renowned for its record power density and >50% thermal efficiency.
Engine Specifications
Inspector Detail
✓ verified
▸
Designation decoded
RTA stands for the Sulzer mechanical series, 96 for 960 mm bore, C for higher power density. This is the mechanically controlled version of the legendary 960 mm engine.
Background
The RTA96C is the predecessor to the RT-flex96C and was the most powerful purely mechanically controlled internal combustion engine in the world. With a 960 mm bore and up to 14 cylinders it powered the first mega container vessels. All units still in service are 20+ years old and have purely mechanical camshaft control — no common rail.
Calculated metrics
Inspector checklist
- Cylinder liners: 960 mm bore — largest mechanically controlled liner. Long-term wear over 20+ years.
- Piston rings: Maximum dimensions. Remanufactured spare parts.
- Crosshead bearings: Extreme piston mass. Long-term fatigue.
- Piston crown: NDT mandatory.
- Camshaft: Massive cams for 960 mm bore. Profile wear.
- Injection pump: Largest mechanical jerk pump in the world. Plunger/barrel wear.
- Exhaust valve: Heaviest mechanically actuated valve. Pushrod dimensions.
- VIT: Free movement on a 20+ year old system.
- Engine foundation: >1,500 t. Long-term structural fatigue in the double bottom.
- Alignment: 20+ year deflection trend.
- Chocking: Degradation after 20+ years.
Logbook reference values
| Parameter | Expected | Deviation means |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust gas temperature after cylinder | 325-385 degrees C at 75% MCR | Spread >15 degrees C -> pump/timing |
| Pmax | 150-185 bar | VIT and pump |
| Injection pump delivery pressure | >800 bar | Pressure drop on the largest pump -> overhaul |
| Crosshead bearing temperature | 55-68 degrees C | >73 degrees C -> immediate inspection |
Common Failure Modes
Expert tips
- 💡 RTA96C: A historic engine. All units are 20+ years old. Spare parts supply is the central challenge — some parts must be remanufactured.
- 💡 Mechanical control on the 960 mm bore: The camshaft and injection pumps have dimensions found on no other engine. Special tooling required.
- 💡 RTA96C on older container vessels: Many of these vessels were designed for speeds of 25+ knots and now operate in slow steaming at 14-18 knots. The engine runs permanently below 50% MCR — deposit formation and incomplete combustion are typical.
Related components
Classification & regulatory
IMO Tier I. EEXI: EPL mandatory. CII: challenge for older vessels. Enhanced Survey Programme.
Reference content for inspector orientation. Always verify against manufacturer's manual, latest service letters and class society requirements.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
🤖 Ask about this model
One free question — answered like a marine engineer. No account needed.
Common failures & inspection points
Type-general inspection and maintenance points for this equipment category — not model-specific.
Service & Maintenance
Large-bore RTA engines require strict fuel pump timing checks, scavenge inspections, liner measurements and bearing trend monitoring.
Suppliers & Spare Parts
Direct links to manufacturer, datasheet, spare-parts portal and dealers — request access below.
📄 Request sourcing links & documentsCases, daily reports, timesheets and AI troubleshooting in the OceanSphere Marine app — free for 14 days.
Start free trial →Find manufacturers, repair shops and spare-part dealers in the Maritime Network — our global company directory.
Maritime Network →Replacement Parts
Manuals
- datasheet
- project_guide