Cat® Marine customers may qualify for financial assistance of Emission Upgrade Kits
The Volkswagen Consent Decree settlement with the U.S. EPA resulted in a Mitigation Trust Fund (MTF), which has been established to pay more than $2.9B for defined eligible projects that reduce NOx emissions. Various Cat® Emission Upgrade Kits, which help achieve emissions reductions, qualify the engine emission upgrade to be eligible for MTF funding, Caterpillar said in its press release.
“Because of the longevity of the 3500-engine’s life, there are more than 1,000 engines sold between 1993 and 2004 that could qualify for MTF funding with Cat Emissions Upgrade Kits,” said David Holt, Marine Industry Specialist for Cat Global Aftermarket Marketing and Brand. “Depending on the engine, MTF funding may cover up to forty-percent of parts and labor for these upgrades, which greatly reduces customer costs,” said Holt. Verified Cat upgrade kits can give an estimated 23 years of additional life to the engine. “In certain circumstances, with MTF funding, the upgrade kit may cost less than the price of a typical overhaul,” says Holt.
The upgrade kits, which are available for the majority of the 3500 Marine engine line, feature many benefits for customers. New electronic controls improve acceleration and load acceptance—depending on the operation, this can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. Additional features include an electronic multi-display panel with full diagnostics capability including live messages and alarms. After installation, the crew will experience an overall quieter and smoother performance of the vessel.
“Not only are customers getting an emissions upgrade, but they are also getting like-new engine condition and up to date technology, adding decades of reliable operation,” said Holt. “The upgrade kits decrease total cost of ownership through reduced major overhauls over the life-cycle of the engine.”
Installation of the upgrades can be accomplished in hull without major modifications to the vessel. Upon completion of the upgrade kit, customers will receive an emissions upgrade label from Caterpillar stating the engine is US EPA verified to EPA Marine T1 or T2 to be placed on the side of the engine for ease of inspection. As attention continues to be placed on lowering emissions in ports, these upgrades may qualify the vessel to complete for contracts, otherwise lost.
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 organization 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 over 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 2016 sales and revenues of $38.5 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 - Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation - and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment.