The Engine

MV Gamle Oksøy is propelled by a 540 horsepower engine.

The engine on board the MV Gamle Oksøy is an 8 cylinder 540 hp Bergen Diesel RTP8,
manufactured in Bergen. It is the original engine that has been in use since the vessel was built.

Originally, three people were responsible for maintaining the engine. The chief engineer was in charge and was assisted by the motor man and an engine room cadet.

Work in the engine room could be demanding. There is a lot of noise and hearing protection is compulsory. The air may be thick with the smell of diesel and oil, and the engine also gives off a lot of heat. Often the engineer would be sweating in temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the crew were freezing on deck.

Experienced engineers can hear, smell and feel when the engine is running as it should. If an unusual sound is heared, the engineers have to check closely whether everything is as it should be.

The engine must be lubricated regularly every three hours. On long voyages there will often be two engineers onboard, doing six hour shifts each.

Volunteers doing maintenance in the Engine room. These people are essential for keeping the old engine and MV Gamle Oksøy “running”.