Although Tier 2 is a requirement for all new vessels, at Olympic Tug and Barge the owners, Harley Marine Services, have shown leadership by installing a pair of Tier 2 compliant engines in their 1970 built tug ‘Lela Joy’, making it one of the most environmentally progressive vessels on the Pacific coast.

A pair of aging two cycle engines were pulled from the 77.5 by 25.4foot tug and replaced with a pair of Cummins’ new QSK38-M engines, which each produce 1,200 continuous duty horsepower at 1,800 RPM. The QSK38 engine builds on the recognized success of the V12 38 litre KV Series engines and has enhanced it with the proven technology of the Cummins Quantum System electronics and Modular Common Rail fuel system.

The performance and technology upgrade ensures not only Tier 2 emissions compliance but also quieter operation, better fuel economy, smoother power delivery and better idle stability. The modular common rail fuel system features a simplified design that provides constant high injection pressure regardless of engine speed or load conditions. Benefits include significantly reduced noise and vibration for quiet operation, idle stability and improved low-end torque.

Among other design improvements of the new engines, the triple wall water-cooled exhaust manifold features an air gap between exhaust gas and jacket water to maintain thermal efficiency while cooling engine surface temperatures. Design is a fabricated single piece construction that eliminates potential exhaust leakage.