Reliability is the word

The propulsion plant was installed in 2000 by Karstensen's shipyard in Skagen, Denmark and its 6L27/38 main engine, which operates on marine diesel oil (MDO), was overhauled for the first time in 2003 after 20,000 hours of operation.

As the expected overhaul interval for a 27/38 engine is 24,000 hours, the overhaul came somewhat sooner than expected but, during the 2003 overhaul, various combustion chamber components were replaced by a new improved design.

As a result, by the summer of 2007 and its next overhaul, the engine had accumulated an additional 25,000 hours of operation, i.e. a total of 45,000 hours. During this latest overhaul, the engine was thoroughly inspected, and the new components installed in 2003 revealed an improved performance.

The complete Alpha propulsion system installed in the Mark Amay consists of Alpha module gear type 52VO27, Alpha CP Propeller type VB860 and remote-control system type Alphatronic 2000, as well as the main engine.

Over time, the propulsion system has proven very reliable in operation, and the owner has been able to fish with very few interruptions over the last seven years. With an average of approximately 6,500 operating hours per year achieved by the engine, a convincing argument has been made for new owners looking for a reliable propulsion plant and strong, after-sales support.

In the period 2003-2007, extensive field tests were carried out on 27/38 engines operating on both MDO and heavy fuel oil (HFO). This occurred in close cooperation with MAN Diesel PrimeServ customers in order to improve overhaul intervals, especially those of 27/38 engines operating on HFO.

Such engines are designed to reach 18,000 hours before scheduled overhaul. While the first engines performed below par, this situation was quickly reversed through continuous development and field testing with results now indicating that the cylinder condition on HFO-operated 27/38 engines is exceedingly reliable.