The LCT Cape Gloucester has delivered a much anticipated 45 metres of modernised capability for the Fodico Marine Group, proudly propelled by a pair of Yanmar 6AY-WET 829mhp engines. There was more to this build than meets the eye however, with commercial marine know-how, great design and Power Equipment’s expertise helping deliver an outstanding working vessel.
Popular Yanmar 6AY-WET long-stroke marine diesel engines were the power of choice for the Fodico Marine Group’s new LCT Cape Gloucester. This 45 metre landing vessel was a few years in the making due to some unforeseen build delays, but has finally made its debut and is expected to be working on charter in North Queensland this year.
The Cape Gloucester’s 12 metre beam and nearly 500 square metre clear working deck underpins a modern addition to the Toy family’s Fodico Marine Group fleet. Her Yanmar engines are continued proof that serious operators rely on proven power when boats are your business.
Leon Toy, CEO of Gladstone-based Fodico Marine Group and professional skipper since the age of 18 knows the commercial marine business, (“we focus on everything except tourism!” he says), and certainly trusts his Yanmars.
“We’ve got quite a few Yanmar engines floating around in our fleet, they’re a good engine,” Leon explains.
“The simplicity of the mechanical Yanmar engines is a major drawcard for us,” he says. “Really, it makes more sense to us to have an engine that is easy to maintain and you can diagnose with a roll of spanners rather than a computer – particularly if you are somewhere remote or it’s the middle of the night,” Leon says
Yanmar simplicity and ease of maintenance across its marine diesel range is one standout feature – but only the start of the 6AY series benefits. Looking closer at the 6AY-WET’s dedicated marine diesel design reveals a raft of advantages that come with Yanmar’s 60+ years in providing marine engine packages.
As a dedicated marine diesel engine, the Yanmar 6AY-WET’s torque-rise characteristics give it the underlying advantage of stable cruising power with little to no speed reduction against sudden load changes. While this ensures a better and more stable performing engine in marine applications, it also helps with fuel consumption.
Look further into Yanmar’s design detail of this 20 litre class, mechanically controlled 829mhp (“M” rating) engine and the real experience of diesel engine expertise is revealed.
The Yanmar 6AY-WET achieves cleaner, more efficient fuel burn through multiple, micro-sized holes in a new injector design for each cylinder. Deep combustion chambers and a new cylinder head design not only help this super-fine fuel mist combust to IMO Tier II emissions standards, but also lower fuel consumption. Further proof of this cleaner marine powerhouse can be noticed at the exhaust, with boost compensation dramatically reducing black smoke under hard acceleration.
Quality engines matched to quality design
Cape Gloucester sports some nice, modern lines above the waterline, but she is far more than her carrying capacity and air-conditioned comfort for up to 90 passengers onboard.
Fodico Marine Group operates an LCT of similar dimensions, (the very capable Moreton Venture), but operational improvements like better clearance for vehicles and other loads under the bridge structure formed a part of the design brief. Shaun Phelps, a naval architect with Periscope Marine, designed Cape Gloucester and is pleased to say she performs more than admirably.
“These are by nature a boxy, heavy vessel where it can be difficult to reduce resistance in the hull design,” explained Shaun. “Typically you will get around 10-11 knots maximum out of a landing craft of this size.”
“We hoped to get more like 12 knots if possible and got over 12 knots in sea trials – in fact closer to 13 at full throttle.” With a curved barge bottom and a pulled-in stern, the design has improved hull efficiency.
Shaun has supported the Toy family for a number of years and designed other vessels for them, saying “there was a fair amount of design work that went into the Cape Gloucester – it’s been a massive project”.
Better hull form is also assisted through a refined propeller tunnel design, ensuring the Yanmar 6AY-WET’s and YXH240 gearboxes (3.03/1 ratio) can spin their Veem-designed props with maximum efficiency.
Hull design wasn’t the only unique element of this vessel’s build however. A dual circuit keel cooling system for the Yanmars was a first for this model of engine in Australia. Power Equipment worked closely with Yanmar in Japan to ensure the cooling system was approved for the 6AY-WET’s application and proved the value of working with an engine distributor who has specialised expertise on hand.
Fodico Marine Group at a glance:
Established in 1980, Fodico Marine Group are a commercial marine operator supporting inshore and offshore works around Australia and across parts of the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea.
They currently operate a fleet of 11 vessels, spearheaded by a range of landing craft, tugs and barge/construction vessels. Based in Gladstone, Central Queensland and with operations in the state’s capital, Brisbane, FMG deliver a diverse range of capabilities.
Whether marine transport or logistics, construction support, dredging and hydrographic support, Fodico Marine Group does it. With 40+ years behind them in the commercial marine game, there isn’t a lot Fodico Marine Group hasn’t seen in the commercial marine space and Power Equipment is proud to provide the Yanmar engines that continue to help deliver on that experience.
Check out Fodico Marine Group’s extensive list of marine services at fodico.com.au
