Earlier in this blog we wrote of the re-power of the Pacific Maritime Group tug J.M. Hidalgo. It is with great pride that we announce that the tug is back in service and better than ever. The new 49 litre Mitsubishi S12R engines are ready to go. Note this view of the engine room.
Anyone who has worked in a vessel engine room, or anyone who appreciates quality workmanship, should note:
- Space around the engine for ambient air, for access and for ease in doing engine checks
- Engine beds that are both substantial and uncluttered
- Insulated exhaust piping
- Color coded piping for fuel, coolant water and lubes
- Accessible air, fuel and oil filters
- User friendly valving
- Eye level engine instrumentation and power switches
- Fire Extinguisher at the ready
How much room is there in the engine room? In the vernacular of one legendary Chief Engineer, “Room for a dance or to swing a cat. Maybe both.” Care was taken in the engine layout for a wide, safe walkway between the engines. The engines are California Air Board Tier 3 compliant. The way the equipment blends into the background is admirable.
Not to be overlooked, the auxiliary engines look great. The CAD drawing used to plan the engine layout made allowances for fit and accessibility. Like the main engines, these gensets enjoy clear space around them and easy of operation.
Beyond the engines you can see fresh paint and abundant light. The piping and wiring are done to the highest standards. We did not just re-power the HIDALGO, we gave the tug an engine room makeover.
You many never set foot in the engine rooms of PMG tugs. We understand. But we are proud enough of our work to share these photos and to publicly praise the work of Port Engineer Tom Ebner and the entire PMG team who worked tirelessly to complete this impressive repower. Well, done.