News Release

Charter tours have always been a popular way to travel to see some amazing places; however, the tour experience can be jeopardized if the ship’s engines underperform or fail. For one Galapagos Islands charter company, replacing its older diesel engines with a pair of YANMAR 6HA2M-WHT engines has made all the difference in its ship’s reliability and performance.

Eden Land & Sea Cruise has been operating a custom-built, 80-foot long charter vessel, Eden, since 1996. Offering eight ocean view cabins for a total of 16 passengers per voyage, the ship makes four to eight day cruises and charters around the Galapagos Islands.

Installed in 2014 by YANMAR distributor Motores del Pacifico based out of Guayaquil, Ecuador and Naval Engineer Johnny Domínguez with Tecnavin S.A., the new 6HA2M-WHT engines offer 278 mhp 1880min^-1 each with a total propulsion package including two steel-made gear case YX-120 ratio 2:57:1 marine gears.  The 6HA2M-WHT is a simple, but high-performance engine built with quality components developed from YANMAR’s vast experience with marine engines. The 13.14 liter 6HA2 series engines from YANMAR also come in 350 and 405 mhp offerings both in 1950min^-1.  

In the Galapagos, where the local population is surrounded by two protected areas, the National Park and Marine Reserve, re-power projects must comply with IMO Tier II environmental regulations. Thanks to a center-mounted fuel injection pump and mechanical governor system, the engine offers improved combustion performance and increased ease of serviceability while meeting emissions requirements.

In addition to being IMO Tier II certified, all of YANMAR’s commercial marine engines are also fully mechanical with long overhaul intervals thanks to tufftride treatment cylinder liners, nitride stainless steel rings and precise clearance between the pistons and liners. These long-stroke engines also feature a purpose-built marine design, optimized flywheel weight, water-cooled exhaust manifold and special treatment injection nozzles.

As with all YANMAR commercial marine diesels, these engines are manufactured at the Tsukaguchi Plant in Japan using a cell production system that allows for the complete engine assembly to be done by one person to ensure maximum quality, efficiency and durability.

Speaking as to why he choose YANMAR and the 6HA2 series of engines, Juan Carlos Andrade, owner of the Eden, said, “I already had knowledge of YANMAR engines from previous work experiences, and I’ve always wanted to re-power with YANMAR engines…These engines are tough with excellent performance, no noise and a good propulsion system.”

At over 1,600 hours on both engines, the performance from the engines has been remarkable with a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption, reduced engine vibration levels and increased boat speed.  “I have also experienced a great difference in spare parts and maintenance savings,” shared Andrade.