For Harley Marine Services, “green” has always been the way to go. So it’s no surprise this Seattle-based marine transportation company was the first to select a Cat® marine engine solution that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations.

“They have a reputation for being very sustainable and forward-looking,” says Brent Nelson, a Caterpillar territory sales manager who works closely with Harley Marine. “They want to run a clean, green fleet, and they set a precedent by being the first to power a vessel with these engines.”

$1M in Total Fluid Savings

Over the years, Harley Marine has successfully operated numerous line haul tugs powered by Cat 3500 Tier 1 and Tier 2 propulsion engines. For the company’s new line haul boat, the Earl W. Redd, Cat dealer Peterson Power suggested two 3516E Tier 4 engines.

To meet Tier 4 Final marine engine emissions regulations, each of the two continuous-duty 3516E engines — individually rated with a 10% horsepower increase of 2682 hp at 1600 rpm — is paired with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system. SCR uses a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) solution to reduce NOx contained in diesel exhaust down to nitrogen and water vapor. Just as important, it does so efficiently.

“Harley Marine should save over $1 million across a 15-year lifecycle on total fluid consumption (diesel plus DEF) costs for this new build compared to an equivalent Tier 2 powered vessel,” says Ryan Darnell of Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems division. “That’s a direct result of engine fuel efficiency improvements that SCR technology allows us to make by reducing NOx downstream of the engine combustion process.”

The Full Package from One Source

While that was a big reason Harley Marine chose Caterpillar for its marine engine Tier 4 Final solution, there were others as well. The company has a long-standing relationship with Caterpillar, including parts and service support from dealers across the United States. In addition, Cat Financial has provided construction and ownership financing for multiple Harley Marine vessels — including the Earl W. Redd.

“Harley Marine appreciates they can get the whole package from one source,” Nelson says. “Caterpillar is able to bring together multiple parties to make sure the design and installation is exactly what they need.”