Diesel outboards: Power, safety and efficiency for the offshore oil and gas industy
Cox Marine understands that operating in the offshore oil and gas sector isn’t for the faint‑hearted. Your support vessels, from crew transfers to spill‑response boats, face remote locations, changing sea states and strict safety zones around platforms.
Every moment afloat carries real risk. A simple spark in the wrong place can shut down an entire operation, while premature engine failure can strand personnel or stretch emergency response times.
Fuel logistics only adds to the complexity. Every refuelling stop offshore eats into precious operational windows and pushes costs higher. In this environment, the propulsion choice you make is critical to safety, uptime and overall project economics.
Introducing the Cox Marine V8 Diesel Outboard
That’s why we developed the Cox Marine V8 diesel outboard, a purpose‑built solution created hand‑in‑hand with the demands of oil and gas operators worldwide. Available in 300 hp and 350 hp variants, each engine houses a twin‑turbocharged 4.4‑litre V8 heart on a commercial‑grade block.
From day one, our engineering team prioritised three pillars: spark‑free safety, robust offshore performance and fuel efficiency without compromise. The result is an outboard that delivers up to 776 lb‑ft (1,052 Nm) of torque at just 2,600 rpm, transforming even heavily loaded workboats into nimble, responsive platforms.
Uncompromising safety in hazardous environments
Safety underpins everything we do at Cox Marine. Many offshore installations and support vessels face strict regulations banning spark‑ignition engines. With our diesel outboards, you remove that hazard at the source. Our compression‑ignition design eliminates spark plugs and high‑voltage leads from the equation entirely while diesel’s higher flash point means the risk of vapour ignition is inherently lower than petrol.
Whether you’re operating a standby safety boat beside a floating production unit or running a supply launch through crowded field lanes, the Cox V8 gives you peace of mind that you’re compliant with the most stringent global safety standards – and that your crew is protected.
Exceptional performance when it matters most
Offshore seas are rarely calm, and support vessels often need to punch through wind chop, beam seas or following swells. Thanks to our twin‑turbocharging and advanced digital engine management, the Cox V8 delivers immediate torque at low revs, so you can get on plane quickly and maintain steady station‑keeping even in rough conditions.
Manoeuvres that were once delicate – docking alongside a platform or holding position for personnel transfers – become much more predictable. And, because our engines are tuned for professional duty, they shrug off the high‑hour cycles and constant load changes that would send lesser powerplants back to the yard.
Driving efficiency and environmental responsibility
We appreciate that efficiency isn’t just about stretching your budget – it’s about meeting today’s environmental obligations and tomorrow’s sustainability targets.
Compared with petrol outboards of similar output, our V8 diesel models burn as much as 30 per cent less fuel under typical offshore workloads. That translates directly into fewer fuel deliveries, reduced carbon emissions and a smaller ecological footprint for every mission.
Built to comply with EPA Tier 3, IMO II and the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive (RCD II), Cox Marine diesel outboards help operators satisfy, and often exceed, local and international emissions limits without sacrificing performance.
Lowering total cost of ownership through reliability
While a diesel outboard’s sticker price is higher than its petrol counterparts, the lifetime economics tell a very different story. Diesel’s inherent durability, combined with our engine’s commercial‑grade components, extends service intervals and dramatically reduces unscheduled downtime.
Routine tasks such as oil and filter changes are quick and straightforward, with easy‑access service points designed into every V8. On high‑hour vessels, the cumulative savings in reduced fuel consumption, fewer parts replacements and minimal haul‑outs can offset the initial investment far sooner than you might expect. Put simply, the Cox V8 is engineered to stay on the water, where it belongs.
Worldwide support for global operations
Offshore oil and gas is a global enterprise, and you need a partner whose support network spans every major basin and beyond.
Cox Marine collaborates with an extensive network of authorised dealers and distributors across more than 175 territories. That means genuine spare parts, factory‑trained technicians and remote diagnostics are never more than a phone call away, no matter where your operations take you.
We also offer tailored maintenance programmes and hands‑on training, ensuring your crew can perform routine checks confidently and that critical issues get resolved without delay. In an industry where every hour of downtime carries a premium, our goal is to keep your fleet moving.
Take the next step with Cox Marine
When you combine spark‑free safety, class‑leading torque, compelling fuel economy and a truly global support network, the choice becomes clear. Cox Marine V8 diesel outboards are not just another propulsion option; they are a comprehensive solution crafted for the complexities of offshore oil and gas.
If you’re specifying new workboats, repowering existing craft or simply exploring ways to improve safety and operational efficiency, we invite you to reach out. Contact your nearest Cox Marine dealer or get in touch with our technical team today to discover how our diesel outboards can power your next offshore mission – faster, cleaner and safer than ever before.