New Engines for Muir Milach

Built in 1979 at the Mid Coast Marine shipyard, the 103 by 26-foot F/V Muir Milach has earned a fine reputation amongst the mid-water trawl fleet. An early adapter in the Alaska Pollock and cod quota fishery, the vessel has been a consistent producer.

Currently an important component of the family-owned Aleutian Spray Fisheries fleet she has been well maintained. In January 2014 she was fitted with updated sonar equipment. In January 2015 an extensive repower of both main genset and main engines was completed.

A pair of US EPA Tier 2 certified six-cylinder Cummins QSK19-M engines each generating 750 HP at 1800 RPM replaced a pair of high-hour engines. The engines turn 60" by 56" propellers through ZF gears with 4.3:1 reduction. The twin engines are installed along with a 24-volt Quatum System to monitor operating parameters, while providing diagnostics, prognostics and complete engine protection. Wheelhouse and engine room digital displays feature C Command panels.

The Muri Milach typically tows a mid-water trawl with an 800-foot head rope and 7m doors. The new engines can be expected to give the boat about 25,000 pounds of bollard pull.

Captain David Willmore managed the engine installation and took the Muir Milach to fish the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands in mid-January.