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Machinery Dictionary Entry

Marine Diesel Engine

"The primary propulsion unit of most merchant vessels, typically a massive internal combustion engine designed to run on heavy fuel oil."

Marine Diesel Engine
Marine Diesel Engine

Definition

A Marine Diesel Engine is a heat engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel that has been injected into the combustion chamber.

Types

  1. Slow Speed (2-Stroke):

    • Directly coupled to the propeller (no gearbox).
    • Massive size (up to 4 stories high).
    • Highly efficient (low SFOC).
    • Used in Bulkers, Tankers, and Container Ships.
  2. Medium Speed (4-Stroke):

    • Connected via a gearbox.
    • More compact but less efficient than 2-stroke.
    • Used in Cruise ships, Ferries, and for generating electricity (Auxiliary Engines / Generators).

Main Components

  • Bedplate & A-Frame
  • Cylinder Liners & Heads
  • Pistons & Connecting Rods
  • Crankshaft

Related Terms

Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC)Marine TurbochargerChief EngineerMarine BoilerFuel Oil Purifier
    Marine Diesel Engine - Maritime Wiki Definition | Hifshan Riesvicky - Maritime Software Engineer