The 200HP OXE Diesel will be trialled onboard a workboat at Marine Harvest’s salmon farm off the Island of Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides. 

“OXE is the first diesel with the horsepower to meet our requirements and subject to the satisfactory outcome of the trial, enables Marine Harvest Scotland to benefit from significant cost and logistic advantages in the remote areas where Marine Harvest operates. In the Scottish Highlands and Islands petrol stations are scarce and prices are some of the highest in the UK”, said Colin Whitehead, Engineering Manager (South), Marine Harvest. 

Jeremy Paul, General Manager of Hampshire based MDS Marine said that the company will be receiving the first production units in spring 2016. 

In addition to coastal fishing, aquaculture and ferry operations, other potential applications include survey work, emergency services, EEZ protection and other paramilitary operations.

OXE Diesel has the highest power density of any marine diesel and offers the range and performance to operate in the extreme environments required by commercial operators. It also allows outboard engines to be used where petrol engines are prohibited on safety grounds, such as for most naval applications. As well as offering lower maintenance and a longer service life, diesel offers lower fuel consumption and can be safely stored on site and above ground for easy access. 

OXE Diesel incorporates a unique self-contained belt propulsor unit (S-BPU) that eliminates the traditional high maintenance bevel gears and transfer shafts by utilising the latest belt drive technology. It uses a conventional automotive engine block adapted for marine use. Unlike most outboards OXE is mounted horizontally, which improves reliability and reduces maintenance.