Caterpillar to Power New Edison Chouest Heavy Duty AHTS’

CAT-powered AHTS Brage Viking owned by Viking Supply Ships, powered by 4 MaK engines supplying over 19k horsepower (14k kW). Image courtesy Caterpillar

Long-time Caterpillar customer Edison Chouest has chosen to install four Tier 4 Final C280-16 generator sets aboard two new Polar Class 3 anchor handling tug and supply vessels (AHTS) under construction at LaShip in Houma, Louisiana.  The four engines are each rated at 5060 bkW @ 900rpm.

Caterpillar notes this order marks the successful manufacture of the marine industry’s highest horsepower, Tier 4 solution as well as one of the largest diesel electric propulsion (DEP) configurations the company has ever produced.

“We’re pleased to share in such a significant accomplishment for the commercial industry with long-standing Caterpillar customer Edison Chouest,” Bart Long, Caterpillar Marine key account manager stated. “We value delivering innovative, sustainable solutions for the marine industry and we’re proud to provide Chouest with reliable power that will meet Tier 4 Final emission standards.”

Caterpillar says their Tier 4 Final marine technology utilizes aftertreatment combined with a fuel efficiency-optimized engine to meet the low NOx emission standards. The C280 Tier 4 Final solution employs selective catalyst reduction (SCR) technology, which will provide customers with the lowest possible owning and operating costs. The SCR module was designed with the engine room in mind with compact dimensions.

“The C280 generator sets are incredibly popular in offshore applications, offering customers the lowest possible emissions technology in the industry while also providing the lowest owning and operating costs. We’re also able to differentiate ourselves by working tirelessly with our customers and Cat dealers to deliver highly-engineered, custom offerings that provide the highest uptime,” Nathan Kelly, Caterpillar Marine product definition engineer noted. “Customers come to us knowing we’ll engineer a solution to successfully perform for their specific needs.”

Further reading: Rolls-Royce wins Propulsion Contract for ECO Anchor Handlers