Japanese quality on show

Local subsidiary Yanmar Benelux and the European headquarters Yanmar Europe joined forces on stand 1306. Sales representatives from various countries and backgrounds were on hand to answer all visitor questions and demonstrate the Japanese engine manufacturer’s latest technology. In addition, Yanmar’s neighbouring stand featured Nicoverken, a provider of spares and service for Yanmar medium speed engines.

Yanmar Marine Engines for Light Duty Commercial application with SOLAS option, are high power-to-weight ratio marine engines used in a large variety of industries worldwide such as taxis, high speed fishing boats, fire tenders, pilot vessels, police and customs, military boats, fast response rescue and general workboats. The LDC range with SOLAS Option starts at 29 hp and goes up to 440 hp (324 kW) available in both existing mechanical 6LY2A version and as the new Common Rail 6LY440 version as displayed at the show. Yanmar also showed the unique Twin Prop Yanmar ZT370 sterndrive with hydraulic clutch and hard anodized ‘Exo’ surface protection which the company says is a perfect fit for LDC engines from 150hp up to370 hp. In addition the new 29 hp 3YM27 was shown. This tough lifeboat engine uses a keel cooler heat exchanger to save space on board, and knowing how lifeboats are often launched, it is designed to operate normally even through a 30 metre drop to the sea. A block heater is optional so it can be started easily at -25ºC. Should hull damage, bilge pump failure or a full roll occur, the engine will run at full power for at least five minutes with water up to the height of the crankshaft centreline. It is designed for 360º operation to cope with inversions.

Yanmar’s high-speed engines on show featured the latest innovations in environmentally friendly engine technology, and they comply with IMO Tier II & CCNR2 NOx limit regulations. The AYM series consists of mechanically driven engines, which Yanmar says are perfectly suited to inland vessels. An unusual feature of these engines for the Dutch market is the tax benefit, since they qualify for EIA (Energie Investeringsaftrek, a Dutch tax deduction measure). Ship owners are allowed to deduct up to 41.5% of the investment costs from their taxable profit, which represents an interesting incentive for durable energy investments.

By Jake Frith