CAT Engines to Power Berkut, Russia’s Largest Offshore Platform

Rendering of Berkut, Image via United Shipbuilding Corporation (Russia)

Caterpillar Oil and Gas announced today that Russia’s largest offshore oil and gas platform has been outfitted with BeCat^® 3500 diesel generator sets.  The massive gravity-based structure will be named Berkut and installed in Sakhalin-1’s Arkutun-Dagi field, a joint ExxonMobil – Neftegas Project.

Three Cat 3516B (HD) generator sets will provide both essential and emergency power for the fixed platform. Each generator set can provide 2000 ekW @ 1500 rpm (50 Hz) of rated power. The platform also features 3x Cat 3412 fire pumps.

“Regardless of how severe the Arctic conditions become, the Cat 3516B (HD) generator sets will serve as a reliable power source for the platform,” said Sergey Chernyshov, Caterpillar Oil and Gas CIS territory manager. “In addition to the reliable, innovative performance of the 3516 power products, Caterpillar enjoys a unique ability to collaborate with the local Cat dealer to meet the highly customized specifications and our ability to fully support the product in the harsh environmental conditions.

Essential gensets provide a safe power source for the drilling process in case of loss of main power. Emergency gensets provide safe power for the operators’ accommodations and other safety features necessary in the event main power is lost. All the diesel generators can be interchanged in service to cover both the emergency and essential loads as per power demand. The packages are highly customized for offshore service and severe seismic requirements.

Manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana, the Cat 3500 diesel generator sets have been installed on countless offshore platforms around the world en route to becoming the industry standard for prime power. With proven performance in drilling applications, the 3516B series features market-leading power density, a long overhaul life and the ADEM™ A3. For this particular project, auxiliary systems necessary for climate control, black dual starting capabilities at low temperatures and snow conditions as well as sophisticated controls, monitoring and protection systems were included in the package scope of supply.

Cat dealer, Sakhalin Machinery, with their project team of highly qualified Russian and Expatriate Engineers led by Mahmoud Helmy, Sakhalin Machinery’s Power Systems Manager, successfully managed the project and led Caterpillar Global Petroleum’s efforts. Sakhalin Machinery, along with the global Cat dealer network, provides superior, around the clock service to customers around the globe delivering stellar product support upon the proven performance of Cat products.