Update On New Tugs For Harbor Docking & Towing Built With Caterpillar Marine Propulsion Systems

New Orleans, Louisiana – Caterpillar Marine is pleased to announce updates on the two new tug vessels for Harbor Docking and Towing that will be equipped with an integrated hybrid propulsion solution supplied and developed by Caterpillar. The sales contract was announced late last year in November and since then, much progress has been made.

“We are excited to see how the conceptual design we presented to Harbor Docking and Towing has now turned into a physical configuration. Now we are eagerly waiting for the next step with taking the equipment and first tug in operation and proving the performance and system efficiency,” said Caterpillar Propulsion Application & Installation Manager, Emil Cerdier.

Shipbuilder, Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc. is currently building and designing the two new 93’ x 38’ Hybrid Z Drive Tugs for Harbor Docking and Towing, which are named Tug Ralph and Capt. Robb. Caterpillar will be providing a hybrid propulsion system, two 3512E main engines, two C18 generator sets, and MTA628 FP 03 azimuth thrusters. Both vessels will be built according to ABS class with FIFI 1.

“We knew we wanted to push the industry forward and break away from the status quo and design a tug specifically for our operating profile. After an extensive search for a tug design and new propulsion system, the decision to partner with Washburn & Doughty and Caterpillar was an easy one,” said John Buchanan, President of Harbor Docking & Towing.

Over the last weeks both the azimuth thrusters and the hybrid system have undergone extensive testing and are now on route to the yard for installation.

Of particular notice, Caterpillar is pleased that Tug Ralph and Capt. Robb will be installed with the new MTA628 FP 03. The MTA628 FP 03 is the latest generation of the size 6 azimuth thrusters. This delivery also features the booster motor input on the aft side of the Z drives to enable these thrusters to take in power from the main engines and/or electric motors.

This project for Caterpillar Marine and the shipping companies marks the first complete Caterpillar hybrid solution package contract in the American market. “With this delivery we are releasing our latest system architecture and integration concept, further improving ease of use and installation. We have made special efforts to provide a truly integrated system. One feature of the system is the bridge interface concept where modes can be selected and status of all engines, gensets and thrusters can be viewed making it easy and intuitive to understand” said Jonas Nyberg, Caterpillar Marine Product Manager.

Harbor Docking and Towing expects Tug Ralph to be delivered in March of 2019, and Capt. Robb to be delivered in June of 2019.

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.

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

About Caterpillar:

For 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 2017 sales and revenue of $45.5 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.  For more information, visit caterpillar.com.  To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

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Danielle Wills

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