Caterpillar Marine Signs MOU with Pacific Mariculture to Supply Hybrid Power for Groundbreaking Aquaculture Vessel

New Groundbreaking Aquaculture Vessel to Be Powered by a Caterpillar Hybrid Solution


March 2022

Houston, Texas – Caterpillar Marine, a world leader in power system research, design, manufacturing, distribution and product support for marine propulsion and auxiliary applications, has entered into an agreement with California-based Pacific6 Enterprises to pilot a parallel battery hybrid propulsion system for a first-of-its kind aquaculture farming vessel. Powered by a Cat® C18 engine and battery hybrid solution, this next-generation hybrid architecture boat will leverage proven electrical components and power electronics from Caterpillar’s construction and mining product lines.

Pacific Mariculture, a subsidiary of venture capital group Pacific6 Enterprises, is currently pioneering development of the first-ever offshore aquaculture farm in the United States which will be located off the coast of Southern California. True to its core philosophy of ensuring sustainability in its investment and development projects, Pacific6 Enterprises was determined to employ a battery-hybrid propulsion and auxiliary solution to minimize environmental impact. “Aquaculture is at the heart of our efforts to sustainably provide seafood for the future. Finding novel ways to reduce our carbon footprint is central to those efforts,” said John Molina, Founding Partner at Pacific6 Enterprises. “We are thrilled that our work, alongside Caterpillar, will create a vessel with more than 1MWh of stored energy; making this one of the most sustainable aquaculture vessels in the world.”

The vessel will be equipped with 961 kWh of battery capacity supplied by Caterpillar Marine to enable zero exhaust emissions while operating solely on battery power in both farming operations as well as port departure and entry. Caterpillar Marine will also provide the complete integration of the hybrid propulsion system, including motor/generator unit (MGU), inverter and system supervisory controls, effectively reducing the number of installed diesel engines from two to one. Derrick York, Managing Director of Caterpillar Marine stated, “We are proud to have been selected by Pacific6 Enterprises to work together on this exciting project. We feel that this aquaculture vessel is a great example of our capabilities in collaborating with customers to deliver sustainable solutions and for demonstrating our next generation of integrated hybrid architecture.”

The aquaculture vessel will be constructed at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, WA.  Caterpillar Marine dealer N C Power Systems (Seattle, WA) will sell and oversee installation and commissioning of the new hybrid equipment.

Under the agreement, Caterpillar Marine and Pacific6 Enterprises will work to optimize the hybrid system operation to achieve minimal operating costs and environmental footprint. “We look forward to this growing relationship with Caterpillar, as we work together to ensure sustainable farming solutions for the future,” commented Molina.

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Vessel design by Kirk Mullen at Oceantech Ltd., a South Island, New Zealand based Naval Architecture firm

Aquaculture Farming Vessel

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About Caterpillar Marine:

Caterpillar Marine, with headquarters in Houston, Texas, offers premier power solutions for a wide range of marine applications. With decades of experience designing engines and aftertreatment solutions, Cat Marine products set the standard for quality, performance, and reliability. Caterpillar is dedicated to being your service provider on the water to provide engine and operational success. With Customer Value Agreements (CVAs), customers can take advantage of an extensive array of service options that can be tailored to their specific needs. Combined with our digital solutions, a CVA can provide valuable insights to engine health and performance. The global sales and service network is ready to support customers in tug & salvage, offshore, inland waterways, fishing, governmental, dredge, ferry, and pleasure craft & yachting wherever they are.

More information is available at: www.cat.com/marine

 

About Caterpillar:

With 2021 sales and revenues of $51.0 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels.

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