Diesel power for patrol boat RIB

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Cox Marine’s high-powered diesel CXO300 drives Southampton Port’s new patrol RIB.

Designed to be both fast and agile, the patrol craft Swift has already entered service at the Port of Southampton

Diesel outboard

Source: Cox Marine

Designed to be both fast and agile, the patrol craft Swift has already entered service at the Port of Southampton

Associated British Ports (ABP) has taken delivery of a new fast response RIB installed with the high-performance CXO300 diesel outboard engine from the British manufacturer, Cox Marine.

“ABP selected the Cox diesel outboard over the petrol for several reasons: fuel efficiency - taking into account the white high-grade diesel we use for lower emissions for environmental reasons; safety aspects regarding the storing of petrol and the long service and reliability of the engine,” said Gary Olden, marine services supervisor at ABP Southampton.

“Initial feedback about the performance of the Cox engine is very good. Fuel economy is impressive, and the boat performs very well. Although it has a top speed of 39 knots, the majority of our running will be 6-8 knots. The engine is surprisingly quiet for a V8 diesel engine.”

Fuel efficiency

Designed to be both fast and agile, the patrol craft Swift has already entered service at the Port of Southampton.

Built by Berthon, Cox’s UK distributor based in Lymington, the 7.8m Commercial Grade RIB will be used by the ABP Southampton team to enforce harbour by-laws and to carry out other harbour duties by its safety security patrols.

The CXO300 diesel outboard enables the RIB to achieve speeds of nearly 40 knots, whilst the boat gives them much improved fast response and shallow water capability, providing easier access to the far corners of their jurisdiction on the rivers Test, Itchen and across Southampton docks.

Ben Bradley-Watson, new business manager at Berthon, explained how client and manufacturer had opted for high-powered diesel over petrol because of the reduced total cost of ownership from reduced operating costs. He said: “Along with easier access to fuel, this diesel outboard also offers the benefit of reduced fuel burn compared to similar size petrol outboards.”

The new RIB, which was handed over to ABP in January, is the first Cox-powered boat supplied by Berthon to the port authority. Compared to a petrol outboard, the diesel CXO300 has a high stator output enabling quick battery charging to easily run all the electrical and electronic equipment including the complete Raymarine navigation suite, the ICOM communication and PA system and IRIS digital cameras.

Designed from a blank sheet of paper for both commercial and recreational use, the CXO300 diesel outboard is a new generation of diesel technology. With up to 30% fuel savings, producing 30% less CO2 emissions and with 479 lb. ft torque, the diesel outboard is an eco-friendly propulsion option built for maximum speed.

Cox Marine will be highlighting the high-performance CXO300 diesel outboard with UK & Ireland distributor Berthon at Seawork International from 21 to 23 June on Berths VA30/31/32.