[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
As global demand for Korean food products continues to rise, South Korea’s seaweed industry is experiencing significant growth. Products such as kimbap, the popular seaweed rice roll that has gained widespread international attention, are driving increased demand for high-quality seaweed cultivation and harvesting. Alongside this growth, vessel operators are seeking more powerful and efficient propulsion solutions capable of handling larger boats, heavier payloads and longer operating hours.<\/p>\n
Hugh Hudleston, Global Business Development Director at Cox Marine, shares his insights.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coxmarine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/kimbap.jpg” title_text=”kimbap” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Growing global demand for kimbap is contributing to increased activity in South Korea’s seaweed harvesting industry<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When speaking with our South Korean distribution partner earlier this year, I learned that much of the country’s seaweed harvesting fleet has traditionally relied on smaller vessels and conventional propulsion systems.\u00a0What was particularly striking, however, was the scale of investment now taking place as operators expand to meet growing demand.\u00a0Some vessels now reach 28 tonnes and are\u00a0operating\u00a0further offshore to access productive harvesting areas.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These larger vessels place greater demands on marine propulsion systems. Operators\u00a0require\u00a0engines that can provide the torque and reliability needed to transport heavy loads of harvested seaweed while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0efficient performance throughout long working days.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some commercial operators are now using engines rated at up to\u00a01,800hp,\u00a0demonstrating\u00a0the increasing power requirements of modern harvesting fleets. As vessels become larger and travel further offshore, propulsion systems must deliver consistent performance in demanding conditions while supporting productivity and operational efficiency.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From what I am seeing across commercial marine markets, diesel outboard technology is increasingly meeting these requirements.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For commercial operators, power is about more than top speed. Seaweed harvesting vessels need the ability to carry heavy equipment, crews and valuable harvests while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0efficient progress to and from port.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Diesel engines naturally produce\u00a0high levels\u00a0of torque at lower engine speeds, making them particularly effective for moving heavily laden vessels. Rather than working harder as payloads increase, diesel power allows operators to\u00a0maintain\u00a0performance while reducing strain on the engine.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another advantage is that, by replacing traditional inboard engine installations with diesel outboards, operators can free up valuable internal space and maximise payload capacity. For seaweed harvesting vessels, this can support larger harvest volumes without increasing the overall size of the boat, helping to improve\u00a0productivity\u00a0and earning potential on every trip.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This combination of torque, durability and efficiency makes diesel outboards particularly well suited to commercial marine applications where reliability is essential.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For vessel owners, fuel consumption\u00a0remains\u00a0one of the most significant operating expenses.\u00a0According to commercial marine operators in South Korea, fuel economy is consistently identified as one of the biggest advantages of modern diesel outboard systems. While many manufacturers cite fuel-efficiency improvements of around\u00a030%\u00a0compared with equivalent\u00a0petrol-powered engines, operators working in heavily loaded commercial applications report even greater savings.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These improvements can have a direct impact on profitability, reducing daily fuel costs and helping operators maximise returns from every harvesting trip.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Commercial operators in South Korea have reported fuel savings of up to\u00a050%\u00a0with Cox Marine diesel outboards compared with\u00a0previous\u00a0petrol equivalents. While\u00a0we have previously cited\u00a030% savings\u00a0for\u00a0many operating conditions, the\u00a0benefit increases considerably\u00a0when vessels are carrying\u00a0substantial\u00a0payloads, in applications such as seaweed harvesting.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The reason lies in how each engine type performs under load.\u00a0Petrol\u00a0engines tend to consume significantly more fuel as demands increase, while diesel engines\u00a0maintain\u00a0more efficient fuel consumption. As a result, diesel-powered vessels effectively achieve the same working output while using\u00a0considerably less\u00a0fuel.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For operators completing regular offshore harvesting trips, these savings can translate into substantial reductions in annual operating costs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As harvesting activities move further offshore, operators need propulsion systems that provide not only efficiency but also reliability and range. Reduced fuel consumption allows vessels to travel greater distances between refuelling stops, helping crews maximise productive time on the water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From my perspective, the shift towards larger vessels, longer\u00a0operating\u00a0ranges and greater harvesting volumes is creating\u00a0a\u00a0strong\u00a0case\u00a0for\u00a0commercial\u00a0diesel\u00a0outboards\u00a0over more traditional petrol engines. Combined with their torque, fuel\u00a0efficiency and reliability, diesel outboards are proving well suited to the evolving needs of South Korea’s commercial seaweed harvesting sector.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhy Seaweed Harvesting Vessels\u00a0Are Upgrading Propulsion<\/h2>\n
How Commercial Diesel Outboards Deliver High-Torque Performance<\/span><\/h4>\n
Fuel Economy Benefits of Diesel Outboards for Commercial Operators<\/h2>\n
Diesel vs\u00a0Petrol\u00a0Outboards: Understanding the 50% Fuel Saving Potential<\/h2>\n
Supporting Offshore Seaweed Harvesting Operations with Reliable Marine Engines<\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/span>Looking to improve fuel efficiency and performance in your seaweed harvesting fleet?<\/h4>\n