Belem sailing thanks to John Deere
For 12 years the Belem, a 19th-century French three-masted tall ship, has been powered by three John Deere 13.5L diesel engines
The Belem, a 19th century French three-masted ship, thought of John Deere Power Systems to repower the historic vessel. Powering the Belem are three sails and twin John Deere 13.5L marine engines. Supplied by NPS Driven S.A.S, the John Deere Power Systems engine distributor for France, these engines have logged approximately 10,000 hours since their installation in 2013. They have delivered a significant increase in cruising speed and improved stability at sea while enhancing maneuverability and precision during docking.
The 6135 marine propulsione engine
John Deere’s 13.5-liter is an inline six-cylinder (BxS 132×165 mm) that in the marinized variable-speed version provides up to 550 kW (750 hp) at 2200 rpm. John Deere has a successful tradition of supplying these engines for onboard gensets. Above all, the 13.5-liter has also been appreciated in driving the propeller, both in commercial applications, such as pilot boats, and yachts, such as the Sunreef Power 80.
It is a charming story, the one between John Deere and Belem
“The twin 13.5L engines have reliably powered the Belem for more than a decade, and have offered impressive capacity,” says Lester Frank of ship management company V.Ships France, superintendent on the Belem. “Navigating busy harbors and docking can be a challenge for tall ships, but these engines make maneuvering in tight spaces more precise and efficient. This is reassuring considering the many harbor visits we have planned this season.”
“Throughout the years, NPS Driven has consistently delivered exceptional service, from engine selection and integration to ongoing maintenance support,” says Fabien Rodier, director of NPS Driven S.A.S.. “Their dedication and collaboration with our technical teams have been instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation of our engines.”
Now, at the end of 2024, we can tell you what the Belem has done in the 12 months that are now behind us. After crossing the Mediterranean to Greece via Sardinia and Sicily, the Belem returned to France and made a historic stopover in Marseille on May 8, 2024. After that, the vessel sailed around Spain and Portugal, passing through the Balearic Islands and the Straits of Gibraltar. It attended then some French nautical events: the La Rochelle Maritime Festival, Bordeaux Fête le Vin, Brest 2024, and the Douarnenez Maritime Festival. At the end of the summer, the Belem sailed around Ireland, making stops in Scotland and England. At the end of October she finished her journey in the safe port of La Rochelle.
