Caterpillar continues MaK dual fuel engine retrofits for Fure West Tanker
Caterpillar Marine is currently underway on another MaK dual fuel engine retrofit conversion onboard the 472 foot Fure West tanker, owned by Furetank Rederi A/B. The MaK™ M 43 C diesel engine onboard the tanker will be retrofitted in hull to the 7 cylinder M 46 dual fuel platform, with each cylinder offering 900 kW of rated power. Additionally, Caterpillar is also supplying the complete gas system for the tanker, including bunker stations, 2x LNG tanks measuring 4.15 meters by 24 meters and the vaporizer.
This project, backed by the European Union and developed with the Zero Vision Tool, will mark the second MaK engine dual fuel retrofit. In 2014, Caterpillar successfully completed the dual fuel engine retrofit conversion on the Anthony Veder Coral Anthelia LNG carrier. “We’re pleased to continue to build upon our successful track record of dual fual conversions in the commercial marine industry and offer an increased scope of supply to our customers,” Finn Vogler, Caterpillar Marine senior engineer noted. “We have a market-ready technology available that our commercial marine customers can be completely confident in and after our success onboard the Coral Anthelia, we have seen the demand for MaK dual fuel solutions increase substantially.”
With a bore of 460 millimeters and stroke of 610 millimeter, the M 46 dual fuel engine was designed for electric drive propulsion systems as well as mechanical propulsion systems. Although designed for unlimited operation on LNG, marine diesel oil and heavy fuel oil, the M 46 DF will reach industry-leading efficiency in gas mode. The M 46 DF was strategically engineered to allow for the retrofitting of current M 43 C engines. Additionally, existing M 32 E engines can be retrofitted to the MaK M 34 DF dual fuel platform. As a result of the synergies between the two platforms, Caterpillar can perform in hull retrofit conversions without having to move the engine block or perform extensive machining. For the Fure West conversion, Cat dealer Pon Power had a significant role in the project.
“We’re able to differentiate our solutions in the market by offering a collaborative partnership with our dealers to ensure the retrofit conversions are completed in an expedited manner and with a reduced number of parties involved as a result of our ability to provide the complete gas system for a vessel as well,” Vogler noted.
Cat marine power and propulsion solutions are backed by the worldwide Cat dealer network with trained technicians to ensure service support is never out of reach.
About Caterpillar Marine
Caterpillar Marine, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, groups all the marketing and service activities for Cat and MaK™ marine diesel, dual fuel and gas power and propulsion systems within Caterpillar Inc. The organisation provides premier power solutions in the medium- and high-speed segments with outputs from 93 to 16,800 kW in main propulsion and 10 to 16,100 kWe in marine generator sets as well as a comprehensive portfolio of propulsion solutions. The sales and service network includes more than 2,100 dealer locations world-wide dedicated to support customers in ocean-going, commercial marine and pleasure craft wherever they are.
About Caterpillar
For nearly 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2014 sales and revenues of $55.184 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments - Resource Industries, Construction Industries and Energy & Transportation - and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment.