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]

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.

OXE Global Distributors Meeting – Gdansk, Poland

Posted on November 24, 2023 by nickyyeoman

In November, the annual OXE Global Distributors meeting was held in Gdansk, Poland.

During the event, two members of the Proteum team, Ben and Simon, visited the OXE Marine manufacturing facilities at PanLink, Tzcew. They were able to witness first-hand the manufacturing process that goes into creating the OXE 300hp.

In the afternoon, the OXE Marine CEO, Paul Frick, and the COO, Jeremy Davis, updated the global distributors network with the latest business news, including the development of the OXE Marine Jet-tech and 450 hybrid.

Currently, there are over 1300 OXE Marine diesel outboards in operation, and the number of orders continues to increase, including 80 outboards to the Philippines Coast Guard and 40 outboards to the US Navy. It looks like the next 12 months will be very positive for the company.

As the UK distributor, Proteum is proud to be part of this continuing success.

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].

Proteum Racing ahead during the Holiday Season

Posted on August 29, 2023 by nickyyeoman

August is traditionally a quieter month for marine supply companies however, this month Proteum have kept busy supplying our customers with a range of products that we distribute throughout the UK & Ireland.

Ready for shipping:

5 @OXE Marine,
3 x 300hp engines to @NorthStar Renewable
2 x 150hp to @PDL Marine
3 Alamarin AJ245 water jets
2 x @Cobra RIB’s
1 x @Ribeye Boats
2 x @Bukh V8 530hp P Series engines to @Carrington Boats Ltd
1 x Baudouin Marine Generator to @Keynvor Morlift

As always Proteum take pride in supporting UK Boat Builders during the installation and operational service of the products we are proud to supply.

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.”

Proteum announces 10 OXE 300hp Diesel Engines supplied to North Star

Posted on May 31, 2023 by nickyyeoman

1^st June 2023, OXE Marine UK and Ireland distributor, Proteum supplies North Star with 10 OXE Diesel 300hp Diesel Outboards. This follows successful sea trials of the twin OXE 300hp supplied to North Star’s first UK-built hybrid-powered SOV workboat “Grace Darling”, in September 2022.

Specifically designed to support offshore wind projects, North Star’s vessel design brings a hybrid-propulsion SOV workboat fleet powered by twin OXE 300hp diesel outboards to the market for the first time. The success of the sea trials aboard the leading infrastructure vessel support operator’s first SOV workboat has led to the supply of 10 OXE 300hps by the end of 2023.

North Star’s second SOV workboat is currently in build; designed by Southampton-based naval architects Chartwell Marine, and built by Alicat Workboats, Great Yarmouth. The vessel will support operations in the North Sea, primarily safely transferring maintenance technicians and equipment between North Star’s new fleet of hybrid-electric service operation vessels and wind turbines at Dogger Bank Wind Farm A, B and C.

Proteum sales manager Simon Barnett said: “We are delighted that North Star has chosen Proteum to supply OXE Marine diesel outboards aboard the remaining SOV workboats in build. OXE diesel outboards are quickly becoming the favoured method of propulsion aboard a number of daughter craft servicing the UK offshore windfarm industry, we look forward to continually supporting North Star as their fleet expands.”

Peter Mantripp, North Star SOV workboat operations manager, said: “Adopting technologies which support our sustainability objectives is key to all our strategic investment decisions. The OXE 300hp diesel outboard is a standout engine and exactly what we were looking for to support our first SOV workboat fleet. The OXE 300hp provides the best possible performance and economic advantages, whilst complying with stringent environmental regulations.”

Pictured below: OXE Diesel Engines in manufacturing plant

OXE Jet-Tech Launched

Posted on April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 by nickyyeoman

OXE, Jet-Tech introduces new outboard waterjet at Seawork 2023

Seawork 2023 will see the European introduction of OXE Marine’s new Jet-Tech.

Jet-Tech is a single stage compact high performance waterjet which combines mixed-flow properties within an axial design build, with a hybrid stator for high torque diesel outboard engines.

OXE Jet Tech Outboard WaterJet Launches Seawork 2023 — **Picture above: OXE Jet-Tech Outboard WaterJet Launches Seawork 2023**

The Jet-Tech waterjet performance is equal to or better than propeller versions and is matched 1:1 to the unit horsepower-driven prop outboard, a level of achievement that has never been reached in any waterjet product to date, according to OXE Marine President Douglas Natoce.

The approach combines the key benefits of high-speed efficiency with cavitation margins at lower speeds & high load conditions.

The waterjet launch builds on OXE’s transformation of the high-horsepower, high torque diesel outboard market enabled by its OXE Diesel range.

The new Jet-Tech fits every OXE Diesel model currently in production 150hp – 300hp, sea trials of the Jet Tech will be available at Seawork 2023 from Tideman Boats berth VA04.

For more information please contact Simon Barnett

Congratulations to Irish Commercial Charter Boats

Posted on April 25, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Winner of the BAIRD Maritime Award 2022 – Best Landing Craft

Fitted with twin OXE Marine 300hp diesel outboards “Ros Aine” is a multi-purpose vessel; she can do amazing things. She is an all-aluminium, diesel outboard-powered landing craft with comfortable, secure accommodation enhancing her capabilities.

Her sister vessel, CRC Walrus also fitted with twin OXE 300hp has been developed as an amphibious vessel operating at Scrobby Sands wind farm that is inaccessible by conventional boats at low tide.

Ros Aine is available for charter throughout Ireland, for more information contact Eoin Grimes at www.iccb.ie