Sulzer RT-flex60C low-speed marine engine has successfully completed its official shop test in the Trieste (Italy) factory of Wärtsilä Corporation. It is the first low-speed marine engine designed from the beginning to incorporate electronically controlled common-rail systems for fuel injection and valve actuation. Sulzer RT-flex60C offers a new range of benefits to shipowners such as low emissions, very slow running capability, better reliability and longer times between overhauls. With cylinder dimensions of 600 mm bore by 2250 mm stroke, the engine has a maximum continuous output of 2,360 kW/cylinder (3,210 bhp/cylinder) at 114 rev/min.

Sulzer RT-flex electronically controlled common-rail systems replaces the usual camshaft-based systems. It gives complete freedom in the timing and operation of fuel injection and exhaust valve actuation. This flexibility has been employed to provide smokeless operation at all ship speeds, and steady running of the engine at very low speeds, down to about 10-12 per cent nominal speed, also without smoke. The precise volumetric fuel injection control given by the RT-flex system reduces maintenance costs through extending times between overhauls. Engine availability is increased by both the integrated monitoring functions and by the redundancy in pumps, piping and electronics of the RT-flex system.

Sulzer RT-flex60C is available with five to eight cylinders covering a power range of 8,250 - 18,880 kW (11,200 - 25,680 bhp) at 91-114 rev/min. It offers optimum powers and speeds for a wide range of 'faster' ships such as medium-sized container ships, car carriers, reefers, etc. The first engines, with a maximum continuous output of 16,520 kW (22,470 bhp) at 114 rev/min, will be installed in the two 13,200 tdw containerised reefer ships being built at Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo in Portugal.