43 finds first orders

Medium-speed

MaK has secured orders for its new M43 engine ahead of its official launch at SMM as it did with the M25. Three 7,200kW (9,790 bhp) eight-cylinder units have been ordered, two for a factory trawler and one for a chemical tanker.

Norwegian operator Anders Utkilens was attracted by having a small number of cylinders and a good price. It will have the engine installed in the 16,000 dwt, 26 compartment, stainless steel chemical tanker it has ordered from the Norwegian yard, Aukra Industrial, near Molde.

The power produced by the 500 rev/min engine will be transmitted via a reduction gearbox to drive a CP propeller. Delivery of the vessel is due for early 2000.