Importance of Diesel Engines in the Marine Industry
Diesel and gasoline-powered engines dominate global commercial and industrial markets, but diesel engines offer more efficiency particularly in marine vessels. Not only are diesel marine engines more powerful and reliable than other engines, but they also have 20% more thermal efficiency than gasoline-powered equivalents. They’re also more cost-effective and optimized for operation at sea. High-speed vessels use diesel engines to achieve high, specific levels of power in a compact, low-weight profile.
Advantages of Diesel Engines in the Marine Industry
Marine diesel engines are fuel-efficient, relatively small and compact, and give operators more fine-tuned control. Some of the advantages these characteristics offer in marine contexts include:
- More maneuverability for vessels moving in tight spaces
- High speeds
- More space is left below the boat, allowing for easier operation in shallow water and presenting less risk to fishing and lobster pit equipment
- Smooth rides across the water
All of these advantages allow drivers and passengers to have a smoother, safer, and more efficient ride.
Central Diesel’s Marine Diesel Solutions
At Central Diesel, we provide our clients with multiple types of diesel engine solutions intended for a wide range of vessel options. Here are our top marine diesel solutions.
Caterpillar C18 Marine Diesel Engine
This engine is available in multiple options and ratings to meet a diverse array of both commercial and recreational use cases. The 18.1-liter, six-cylinder, turbocharged-aftercooled engine is designed for long-term running. The engine is compliant with key emissions regulations—including US EPA Tier 3, IMO II, and EU Stage IIIA—to ensure a cleaner burn that’s better for the environment. Its built-in cooling system has a refill capacity of 45.8 liters, and the lube oil system has a refill capacity of 64 liters. Depending on the specific model, it is cooled via keel or heat exchanger.
Volvo Penta D2-50 Marine Diesel Engine
The Volvo Penta D2-50 marine diesel engine is slightly smaller than the Caterpillar C18, featuring a four-cylinder, 2.2-liter design. The naturally aspirated engine features a cam-driven, inline injection pump with freshwater cooling. The cooling system can hold a 6.5-liter refill, and the refill capacity for lubricant oil is 4.5 liters. The engine is quiet due to a low cruising rpm and low levels of vibration. It’s ideal for marine vessels that have a Volvo Penta display and/or control system.
Yanmar 6LY440 Marine Diesel Engine
This marine engine solution kicks up the power with an engine that is both intercooled and turbocharged. The engine itself is a six-cylinder unit with a 5.8-liter or 354 in3 displacement. It includes a 12V-125A alternator and has an output of 440 mhp or 324 kW. The engine has a 3300 rpm rated speed and a direct injection Denso Common Rail System.
Cummins QSB6.7 Marine Diesel Engine
This model is turbocharged and aftercooled like the Yanmar, but this 6.7-liter, six-cylinder unit operates at a rated output of 250 horsepower at 2600 rpm. One unique benefit of this engine is that the noise level drops by 80% when it’s idling. The Cummins QSB6.7 is compatible with commercial and recreational vessels from a wide variety of manufacturers.
Marine Industry Diesel Engines by Central Diesel
At Central Diesel, we have the expertise and the equipment necessary to provide the right diesel marine engines for nearly any application or machinery configuration. We also provide diesel engine filtration solutions, turbocharger assemblies, generators, and more.
Contact us today to discuss your unique marine engine needs.