Diesel Outboards Break SOLAS Barrier: First Engines Head to Spain
Neander Marine’s Dtorque 50 becomes the first diesel outboard approved for SOLAS rescue boats.
The approval, achieved through MED 1.37 certification, marks a turning point for rescue boat operators seeking safer, more durable propulsion systems. The first units have already been shipped to Spain, where they will be installed on a rescue vessel, signalling the start of a broader shift in the global rescue boat market.
Neander Marine’s achievement is not just a technical milestone but a response to long-standing demand from operators and distributors. The approval process, which covers both Module B (type examination) and Module E (production quality assurance), ensures that the engines meet the stringent safety and performance standards required for maritime rescue operations.
The shift to diesel propulsion in rescue boats is driven by several key advantages over traditional outboard engines. Additionally, diesel engines are known for their durability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimising downtime for rescue vessels.
Paula Blanco, CEO of Neander Marine, highlighted the significance of the approval in a statement:
“We are very proud of what the team has achieved with this approval. There has been clear demand for the Dtorque 50 within the rescue boat market, and this milestone allows us to respond to that demand and pursue new opportunities with our customers and distributor partners. Seeing the first SOLAS-specification engines already on their way to the customer makes this achievement particularly meaningful for the team.”
Paula Blanco·CEO of Neander Marine
What’s Next for Neander Marine and the Dtorque 50?: solas rescue boats
The approval of the Dtorque 50 for SOLAS rescue boats is just the beginning of Neander Marine’s broader strategy to expand the market for its diesel outboard technology.
Ben Sherwood, CTO of Neander Marine, emphasised the importance of the dual certification:
“Achieving this approval is a great validation of the product and the work our team has put into it. It is particularly significant that we have achieved both Module B and Module E, providing recognition not only of the product, but also the way we manufacture it.”
Ben Sherwood·CTO of Neander Marine
The first SOLAS-specification Dtorque 50 engines have already been shipped to Spain, where they will be installed on a rescue vessel. This early deployment serves as a proof of concept for the technology and is expected to pave the way for broader adoption across Europe and beyond.
For rescue boat operators, the benefits of the Dtorque 50 extend beyond fuel safety and durability. These advantages make it an attractive option for operators looking to upgrade their fleets without compromising on safety or reliability.
While diesel engines are not zero-emission, they are more fuel-efficient than petrol alternatives, reducing their environmental footprint. Neander Marine has indicated that it is exploring hybrid and alternative fuel options for future iterations of the Dtorque 50, ensuring that the technology remains relevant as the maritime industry evolves.
As the first engines hit the water in Spain, the maritime industry will be watching closely to see how the Dtorque 50 performs in real-world rescue operations. If successful, the approval could accelerate the adoption of diesel outboards in other professional marine applications, marking a significant shift in how rescue boats, and other vessels, are powered in the years to come.
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