How can you select the best marine diesel engine for your vessel?

1 Type of engine

Marine diesel engines can be classified into two main types: two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines have fewer moving parts, higher power-to-weight ratio, lower fuel consumption, and simpler design than four-stroke engines. However, they also produce more noise, vibration, emissions, and wear and tear than four-stroke engines. Four-stroke engines have more complex and durable components, lower noise and vibration, better emission control, and smoother operation than two-stroke engines. However, they also require more space, weight, fuel, and maintenance than two-stroke engines. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each type and decide which one is more suitable for your vessel and its purpose.

3 Power of engine

The power of the engine refers to its ability to produce work or force over time. The power of the engine is measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (hp). The power of the engine affects its acceleration, cruising speed, maneuverability, and fuel consumption. Generally, higher power engines have faster acceleration and cruising speed, better maneuverability, and higher fuel consumption than lower power engines. Lower power engines have slower acceleration and cruising speed, worse maneuverability, and lower fuel consumption than higher power engines. You need to estimate the minimum and maximum power requirements for your vessel based on its size, weight, speed, load, and operating conditions.

4 Fuel of engine

The fuel of the engine refers to the type and quality of the liquid or gas that it burns to produce energy. The fuel of the engine affects its performance, efficiency, cost, availability, and environmental impact. The most common fuels for marine diesel engines are marine diesel oil (MDO), marine gas oil (MGO), heavy fuel oil (HFO), and liquefied natural gas (LNG). MDO and MGO are lighter and cleaner fuels that have higher energy density, lower emission, and lower maintenance than HFO and LNG. However, they are also more expensive and less available than HFO and LNG. HFO and LNG are heavier and dirtier fuels that have lower energy density, higher emission, and higher maintenance than MDO and MGO. However, they are also cheaper and more available than MDO and MGO. You need to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel and choose the one that meets your budget, availability, and environmental standards.

5 Maintenance of engine

The maintenance of the engine refers to the frequency and cost of the service, repair, and replacement of the engine and its parts. The maintenance of the engine affects its reliability, durability, safety, and lifespan. Generally, higher maintenance engines have lower reliability, durability, safety, and lifespan than lower maintenance engines. Lower maintenance engines have higher reliability, durability, safety, and lifespan than higher maintenance engines. You need to assess the maintenance needs and costs of the engine and its components and select the one that offers the best value and quality for your vessel and its operation.

6 Environmental impact of engine

The environmental impact of the engine refers to the amount and type of the pollutants and greenhouse gases that it emits into the air and water. The environmental impact of the engine affects its compliance with the regulations, standards, and norms of the local and international authorities and organizations. Generally, lower environmental impact engines have higher compliance with the regulations, standards, and norms than higher environmental impact engines. Higher environmental impact engines have lower compliance with the regulations, standards, and norms than lower environmental impact engines. You need to evaluate the environmental impact of the engine and its fuel and choose the one that minimizes the harm and maximizes the benefit for the environment and the society.