Innovation in Marine Technology will make a difference to the Planet

Posted on April 24, 2024 by nickyyeoman

Making a difference to the planet through simple innovation.

At Proteum, our company and products are innovative in every sense of the word!

The wheel of the sea, The propeller!

Imagine having an engine with all the power and torque in the world, but if you can’t efficiently transfer that power into the water, it’s like using a handheld whisk instead of a high-performance tool. It’s akin to fitting skinny tyres on a tractor, a clear mismatch. That’s why efficient power transfer is crucial in marine operations.

Thanks to our innovative belt drive technology and lower unit design, the OXE diesel outboard stands out as the only engine that accommodates standard “off the shelf” propellers and can also handle up to a 17-inch diameter propeller. This unique feature translates to enhanced water grip, superior torque and power transfer efficiency, and increased bollard pull. These advantages are crucial for commercial operators, particularly those using landing craft, workboats, and crew transfer vessels (CTVs).

Proteum has worked closely with MMP to develop the perfect propeller to complement the increased torque of the OXE diesel outboard. The OXE outboard and MMP combination operate on over 30 diesel outboards daily throughout the UK.

Innovation Vessels (Part 1)

Posted on April 23, 2024April 24, 2024 by nickyyeoman

12-meter daughter craft operated by North Star

North Star, Daughter craft is used by the offshore wind industry to safely transfer technicians between the in-field Service Operation Vessel (SOV), where they live while working offshore, to the wind turbines to undertake routine or remedial maintenance. They are also used to support trips to shore, and daughter craft provides essential emergency safety and rescue cover.

Over the last two years, North Star’s teams in Newcastle, Lowestoft and Aberdeen have closely partnered with Chartwell Marine to produce a world-class high, performance, comfortable and sustainable daughter craft vessel design. It introduces outboard hybrid propulsion into the daughter craft market for the first time, utilising twin OXE 300hp diesel outboards supplied by Proteum in addition to Torqeedo Deep Blue electric outboards, setting a new standard for safe operations with an increased sea state operability at wave heights of up to 1.7m, which is 33% higher than anything else currently in operation.

The vessel also carries green technologies to reduce carbon emissions, and it is configured for further improvements in green technologies as the sector evolves.

The firm’s Renewables Director, Andrew Duncan, said: “The UK has the world’s largest offshore wind market backed by an experienced and innovative supply chain. We are committed to providing local content opportunities through direct and indirect employment, partnerships, and supply chains. Our annual spending is tens of millions of pounds, so we need to feel confident in our investments.

“Our relationship and collaboration with Proteum have ensured that we are bringing a transformational daughter craft design to the industry, using the latest technologies to increase safety, performance, reliability, comfort, while reducing emissions.”

Why outboard instead of inboard?

Outboard engines have many advantages over inboard or sterndrive systems, which you can read more about here (open document). Still, in this instance, the key is that the daughter craft can be maintained and repaired onboard the SOV. Due to the ease of access and removal of the outboard engine, the SOV can carry a complete spare engine. So, if the worst should happen and the engine cannot be repaired, then it can be swapped out in just a few hours, enabling the daughter craft to be back out and working in no time. With an inboard system, the daughter craft would be out of operation until the SOV can come into port, potentially costing thousands, if not tens of thousands of pounds.

Why diesel over petrol?

There are the usual safety factors, but with offshore vessels like this, having a single-use fuel makes operational processes much easier and more efficient. You must only carry one fuel onboard the SOV to service all onboard equipment. Also, torque is critical in these applications; with the weight of the vessels, a petrol outboard couldn’t produce enough torque.

Why OXE?

Torque and thrust are two of the main reasons. The OXE diesel outboard is the only one in the market that can run 17” in diameter, with custom-made 5-blade props. Efficiently and effectively transferring the increased torque that produces the vast thrust required to hold the daughter craft against the pylon and safely transfer the crew.

Three of the initial orders of six daughter craft have already been launched from the Alicat facilities in Great Yarmouth, with the fourth expected to launch during April 2024; for more information on the vessels operated by North Star and the services they provide, please visit: https://www.northstarshipping.co.uk

For more information on the OXE range of diesel outboards, please contact [email protected]

Stocking up in 2024

Posted on January 29, 2024 by nickyyeoman

January saw Proteum take delivery of 14 OXE 300hp diesel outboards. Four of these engines have been supplied to customers, with the re-introduction of Power in Partnership. This means our customers can now benefit from all the advantages of operating diesel outboards without the initial capital expenditure.

Simply pay for the installation kit of the engine up front, typically £6,500, and then only pay a cost per hour when the engines are in operation monthly, at a minimum usage of 600 hours a year.

This hourly rate will cover all servicing and repairs over a 5-year or 5,000-hour period, so you can manage your overheads and time.

Proteum will also provide in-service support for the OXE diesel outboard, keeping you on the water longer so you can do what you do best.

For more information on “Power in Partnership”, please get in touch with [email protected]

Are you planning to Go Green?

Posted on January 29, 2024 by nickyyeoman

Here is some helpful information regarding Bio-fuels:

As commercial vessel operators, we all have a social responsibility to reduce our carbon emissions; the good news is that you don’t have to wait for future technologies to make your business more sustainable; reducing your vessel emissions by up to 97% is as easy as simply filling up with HVO 100 (hydro-treated vegetable oil) instead of standard diesel. It sounds straightforward and is, as the complete range of OXE Marine diesel outboards distributed by Proteum is validated to operate using HVO fuel.

Here are a few things to consider when switching to HVO 100 fossil-free fuel:

Choose a suitable biodiesel.

There are two common types of bio-diesels: FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) and HVO. For diesel-powered vessels, Proteum recommends HVO, more specifically HVO 100 – European standard EN15940 – because it has basically the same properties as standard diesel fuel (EN590), so you can use it in your vessel as you would standard diesel fuel.

HVO 100 has storage and ageing properties very similar to standard diesel fossil fuel, so you don’t need to worry about storing your HVO 100 fuel any differently than your standard diesel fuel.

All OXE diesel outboards are validated to operate with HVO 100 (EN15940) fossil-free fuel, so if you’re thinking of re-powering your current diesel engines to OXE diesel outboards, you don’t need to do anything except power up with HVO 100 and go about your usual business. No engine modifications are necessary. A few modifications to the vessel may be necessary, but no alterations should be required for your vessel fuel storage, and no change to your service intervals or requirements should be required. It’s business as usual.

What about mixing HVO with standard diesel?

HVO 100 fossil-free fuel (EN15940) has the same properties as standard diesel fuel (EN590), so you can mix the fuels in any ratio, and your OXE diesel outboard engine will continue running as usual without any difference. For example, if you have half a tank of standard diesel and find an HVO 100 pump at the marina, you can happily bunker up. Likewise, if you’re constantly fuelling with HVO 100 in your home port because it’s readily available, but you come to another port where they only have standard diesel, then no problem – fuel up with standard diesel, and your installation will continue running as usual on the mixed load.

Cost and availability.

So, if HVO 100 is an excellent choice for all the above reasons – and if it’s so easy to reduce your current CO2 emissions by 97% simply by filling up from a different pump – why isn’t everyone doing it?

The first is availability; standard diesel fuel production is very mature and widely used in every country worldwide. HVO 100 fuel is still a young product with limited demand, is more complex to produce, and isn’t readily available in all areas of the UK. This is offset by the fact that you can blend it with standard diesel. You can use HVO 100 when it’s available and switch back when it’s not – any CO2 emission reduction is a win for your company on the path to sustainability.

The second and main catch for most potential users is cost. HVO 100 fuel is currently more expensive than standard diesel, but we hope that situation will improve over time with increased use.

So, what’s the verdict on HVO 100?

If an OXE diesel outboard powers your boat, then if HVO 100 is available in your area, you can switch to HVO 100 instead of standard diesel today. You’ll achieve a significant improvement in the sustainability of your propulsion without having to invest in new equipment.

In doing so, you immediately reduce your vessel’s CO2 emissions. It’s that easy.

All you need is to find a supplier of HVO 100 in your area and be willing to pay the extra cost. This should be more viable for commercial users with regulations to adhere to and company sustainability ambitions to achieve, and the viability trend is heading in the right direction. As more people learn about the benefits, demand will continue to increase, which can help move the needle on production and availability and, ultimately, lower the cost.

Like many emerging new technologies, HVO 100 fossil-free fuel could be better, but what’s important is that the marine industry now has a growing list of choices. Choices that allow you to act immediately to cover the interim more sustainably while we wait in anticipation for the next wave of innovations, such as the OXE Marine 450Hybrid, a new generation of sustainable marine propulsion.

If you would welcome any advice on switching to HVO, then please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] or call us at 07970116473.

Proteum is reintroducing its “Power in Partnership” (P.I.P.) program

Posted on December 14, 2023December 14, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Proteum understands that the initial cost of purchasing the OXE Marine diesel outboards can be a barrier for customers. Therefore, with Power in Partnership, customers can now enjoy all the benefits of the OXE diesel outboards without having to pay the upfront cost.

Initially, P.I.P. is only available for the 300hp engine specification, with the availability of the 150hp/175hp/200hp versions coming later in the year.

So, how exactly does P.I.P. benefit the customer?

Customers can enjoy minimal initial cost to secure the engine, which is typically £6,500. they then pay a simple and manageable monthly cost of ownership.
Customers only pay for the hours that the engine is working and earning money if the minimum contracted hours are achieved (600 hours per year).
Customers can book routine services in advance, maximising operational uptime of the engine and vessel.
Customers can utilise all the benefits of the OXE diesel with minimum capital expenditure, and without incurring depreciation costs.
Customers have the option to choose from three contract termination options: extension, purchase, or return the engine.
Warranty, In-Service, and Support are available throughout the length of the partnership.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or call us at 07970116473.

Latest OXE vessel launched

Posted on October 25, 2023October 25, 2023 by nickyyeoman

The UK’s latest OXE power vessel has been launched and commissioned

This vessel offers transportation services to Orford Ness located in Suffolk. Currently, people must take a ferry from Orford Quay to reach the Ness. However, the ferry can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the steep and slippery steps. The newly built landing craft will enable step-free access to the Ness, making it possible for wheelchair users, families with buggies, and others who cannot use steps to visit.

The landing craft is designed to transport a vehicle and a trailer weighing up to 4 tons or 12 passengers per crossing. It will be coded to MCA category 3 and features a pair of OXE 150Hp diesel outboards and internal fuel tanks. The wheelhouse can accommodate a helm and two crew members, and a bow thruster is installed to assist in the strong current that can flow on the Alde-Ore Estuary.

400 hours and climbing for Romeo Lima operated by Livett’s of London

Posted on August 29, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Proteum’s engineer James Knox was on-site at The Royal Docks, River Thames, as Romeo Lima, operated by @Livett’s, was lifted ashore to carry out another 200-hour service.

Used in a variety of applications, Romeo Lima, built by @PDL Marine, is equipped with twin @OXE Marine 150hp diesel outboards and uses HVO100 fuel to reduce carbon emissions while operating as either a camera filming platform, safety boat or passenger transport throughout the heart of London.

Romeo Lima isn’t the only OXE-powered craft operated by @Livett’s; for further information on their fleet of commercial vessels, visit: https://www.livetts.co.uk/fleet/

If you’re interested in purchasing a diesel engine, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Necessity Is The Mother Of Innovation

Posted on July 26, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Necessity Is The Mother Of Innovation, Otherwise It Is Just Innovation For Innovation’s Sake!

Many commercial operators can vouch for the fact that bevel gears and clutch arrangements are usually the weakest links in outboard and sterndrive installations, especially when connected to a high-torque diesel engine. However, OXE Marine’s patented primary belt transmission, present in every diesel outboard they produce, can eliminate the bevel gears commonly found in leisure products, offering a more durable and efficient solution.

The belt drive enhances torque transfer to the propeller and allows for smaller torpedoes and slimmer submerged modules under the waterline. This innovative technology has revolutionised the marine engine market by doing away with the vulnerable and inefficient clutch and bevel gear system.

The OXE Diesel Outboard is a true game-changer in the marine industry, thanks to its cutting-edge patented technology. If you’d like to learn more about the OXE range of diesel outboards, please contact [email protected].

Twin OXE 150hp To Power New 12m National Trust Landing Craft

Posted on July 26, 2023 by nickyyeoman

We at Proteum are thrilled to have provided PDL Marine and the National Trust two 150hp OXE diesel outboards. These will be installed on a 12m landing craft, offering transportation services to Orford Ness in Suffolk. The current access method involves a ferry from Orford Quay, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the steep and slippery steps. The new craft will enable step-free access to the Ness, making it possible for wheelchair users, families with buggies, and others who cannot use steps to visit.

The landing craft is designed to transport a vehicle and a trailer weighing up to 4 tons or 12 passengers per crossing and will be coded to MCA category 3. In addition, it features a pair of OXE 150Hp diesel outboards and internal fuel tanks. The wheelhouse can accommodate a helm and two crew members, and a bow thruster is installed to assist in the strong current that can flow on the Alde-Ore Estuary.

Glen Pearce, the Property Operations Manager for the National Trust at Orford Ness, expressed his excitement for the new landing craft, saying, “In recent years, we have made efforts to make Orford Ness more accessible to our visitors, but the short river crossing remains a barrier for many. The new landing craft will enable more people to visit and make bringing equipment and rare breed sheep on and off the site easier, allowing us to carry out important conservation work.”

Seawork success

Posted on June 29, 2023June 29, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Speed@Sea has come back to Cowes, IoW and relocated to the Royal Yacht Squadron this year. It provides a picturesque backdrop to present the latest in high-speed craft. Delegates from UK MOD Small Boats teams, along with representatives from international Navy and SAR organisations, have taken the chance to sea trial various boats and, of course, the OXE Marine 300hp diesel outboard that is distributed by Proteum.

The delegates provided consistently positive feedback regarding the engine’s performance, with particular praise for its quiet operation even at high speeds. The engine’s impressive capabilities were highly appreciated.

Seawork’s primary event occurs at Mayflower Park in Southampton. With a spacious stand on land and a demonstration boat on the pontoon, Proteum was excellently positioned to engage with both new and existing customers throughout the three-day exhibition.

Enquiries were plentiful with visitors requesting more information on the various engines and propulsion and control systems that Proteum distribute.

For information relating to our products and services, contact [email protected]