BMW’s popular twin turbo, three-litre diesel engine may be taking to the water
soon. Semcon has been working in cooperation with Cimco Marine to complete a
successful pilot study looking at converting the engine for marine use. This will
make it the world’s first three-litre diesel outboard engine with an output in
excess of 200 horsepower. A prototype will be produced after the summer. Plans
are afoot to put the engine into production in 2020.
“This engine offers major potential for the marine environment. High output and
outstanding quality are important features for many people operating
professionally, such as people running working boats and fast recreational boats.
The enormous forces involved advance engineering – and are really good fun,” says
Henrik Einarsson, technical project manager at Semcon.
The pilot study is based on BMW’s three-litre turbo diesel engine, which now may
be modified and adapted for professional marine use. Semcon is handling the
design work, calculation and simulation as part of the project. The next phase
may begin shortly. This will involve devising a prototype that will be tested in
water.
“The outcome of the pilot study is extremely positive. We have worked together
with Semcon to identify what measures are needed for us to embark upon the next
phase. This gives us every chance of taking the project to the next level,” says
Cecilia Anderberg, CEO of Cimco Marine.
Cimco Marine AB has spent a number of years developing OXE Diesel, the world’s
first diesel outboard engine in the higher output range. Cimco Marine’s unique,
patented solutions for power transfer from engine to propeller have resulted in
major demand for the company’s engines all over the world.
