Mase Generators, owned by the Foresti family since 1997, has witnessed the technological evolution of every generator on the market for more than half a century. It has acquired a profound knowledge of all the opportunities offered by technologies in this industry and knows how to be ahead of the times producing sustainable innovation
by Francesco Michienzi
Mase Generators builds power generation machines designed with an experience-oriented approach, by continuously focusing on high-quality materials. Its technicians embrace a culture of saving and designing the best solutions both in terms of energy and time. They believe in listening as an opportunity to grow together with their users, whether end consumers or shipyards, to continue creating ever more reliable products.
Today, thanks to investments in research and development, Mase can offer innovative products with an excellent price-quality ratio, without sacrificing efficiency and material strength. Mase has one of the most extensive ranges of marine power generators, with three distinct product lines: Mariner, IS (intercooler system), and VS (variable speed), which are available at increasing levels in terms of features related to ease of installation, quality, low noise, and vibrations. These ranges have been enhanced by special power units ranging from 50 to 500 kWe for medium and high-power hybrid and electric propulsion systems, designed to meet the specific needs of each construction yard.
VS 500 SV Marine power generator, silenced version
Permanent magnet generator (PMG)
Cooling: Water/glycol • Concatenated AC voltage RMS (V): 400 • Continuous power: 425 kW • Alternator degree of protection: IP65 • Efficiency: 94% • Pair of poles: 8 • Switch frequency (kHz): 6 • Frequency output (Hz): 300 • Current (A): 615 • Dimension (LxWxH): 2,280×1,200×1,268 mm • Dry weight: 2,420 kg • Max inclination: 30°
Volvo D13-700 variable speed Diesel engine
No. of cylinders: 6 • Outlet mechanical power: 700 hp (515 kWm) • Swept volume: 12,780 cm3 • Fuel consumption at 100% load: 194 l/h • Cylinder block material: Cast iron • Bore (mm-in.): 131-5.16 • Stroke (mm-in.): 158-6.22 • Rated rpm: 1000-2250 • Aspiration: Twin turbo • Engine head material: Cast iron • Speed governor: Electronic • Lubrication system: Forced • Oil sump capacity (l-qt.): 31-32.8 • Engine stop system: Electrovalve • 12 V battery type: Lead acid • Recommend main starting battery: 110-150 Ah – 2x12V • Starter (V-kW): 24-7 • Battery charger alternator (V-A): 24-110 • Easily accessible service point • Safety stop in case of low oil pressure • Safety stop in case of high water/exhaust gas temperature • Oil and fuel filters of easy access
The 500 kWe machine, certified by Lloyd’s Register, is characterised by the compactness of the unit due to its axial-flow alternator and low noise level. With this generator, the Cesena-based company was able to access the mega yacht market. On this subject, Luigi Foresti, president of Mase, stated: «Our company has long been present in the mega-yacht sector in which we have received several important orders. At this stage of the market, there is a growing interest in this type of product, and we are seeing widespread interest in both recreational and commercial boat installations. Our range currently runs from 50 to 500 kW and we can offer state-of-the-art technology for hybrid, diesel-electric, and electric vehicles, in synergy with the best systems engineers in the industry».
Recently, the production site in Cesena underwent a major reorganisation. A new vertical automatic depot was built to feed the assembly lines, and a new department was created to test and certify units of up to 750 kW.
Mase’s business is evolving from being a simple generator manufacturer to a supplier of complex systems. «We run the two activities in parallel, by producing more or less traditional generators for all the world’s major shipyards (from 2 to 50 kW, single-phase and three-phase, 50/60 Hz, many of which are EPA compliant). In addition, we operate as producers of this new category of special generators that are always included in the context of a broader and more articulated supply involving the management of the whole on-board system, from propulsion to hospitality», Foresti explained.
The soundproof cabin is made of painted ultra-light marine aluminium with high resistance to external agents. Internally, it is cladding with panels in eco-fiber soundproofing material for an optimal acoustic performance measured at 70 dBA at 7 meters.
Speaking of the requests made by shipyards, Stefano Campanelli, Mase’s sales director, replied: «They are few and simple, but all equally important: a broad range, product reliability, support in the pre-installation consultancy phase, and finally the effectiveness of the after-sales service, which must be capillary, and, above all, international. This is something that Mase can guarantee thanks to its broad network of dealers and specialised workshops including in America, where it has had an operative branch based in Fort Lauderdale, the world capital of yachting, for more than twenty years».
Mase has been synonymous with marine generators for several decades and can today be counted among the leading manufacturers and suppliers for all major groups and shipyards on a global scale, both in the world of motor yachts, sailing, and more recently, catamarans.
We asked Luigi Foresti what Mase will look like in the future: «Mase will be a company strongly focused on the market, its indications and, most importantly, a company that is always seeking to read and anticipate market needs to translate them into new products at the forefront of technology».
(Mase Generators, future-oriented – Barchemagazine.com – October 2022)
