Launches Marine Diesel Electric Propulsion Engines

Available for a variety of commercial applications and megayachts, the DEP engines build on the proven reliability and durability of the 3500 engine platform while meeting EPA Tier 2 and IMO Tier I regulations.
Built by the best, for the best
Manufactured at the Lafayette Engine Center in Lafayette, Indiana, USA, the constant-speed DEP engines offer the latest in EUI fuel system capabilities and state-of-the-art ADEM A3 Electronic Control Units (ECU).
The vee-12, 4-stroke 3512C engines are available at 1360 ekW, 1550 ekW, and 1700 ekW, and the vee-16, 4-stroke 3516C engines are available at both 2000 ekW and 2250 ekW.
All engine ratings are certified to the E2 emissions cycle. The electronic “power station” concept creates efficiencies between the control units, unit injectors, instrumentation and displays to perfectly balance power supply, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions at any given load.
A win-win situation
Operators of diesel electric propulsion engines understand the inherent advantages of their use: additional safety of operators, lower noise and vibration levels, and driving efficiencies by leveraging electronic technology and the overall system design.
However, the largest benefit of the diesel electric power plant may be the redundancy of the engine power generation because the diesel electric engines are turned on only as they are needed. So if an engine is lost, there is still enough power generated to provide power for shaft lines and vessel electronics.
Additionally, the EUI fuel system capabilities and ADEM ECU deliver more available power while achieving outstanding fuel efficiency. In terms of maintenance, the time between overhaul is increased as DEP engines are not always running at full load there is no physical contact with propeller and engine. These features mean the overall cost and maintenance is reduced for the vessel owner – putting more focus on the voyage ahead and less worry about the operation of the engines.
The DEP engines are also a clear choice for reducing the environmental footprint of the vessel. While Caterpillar Marine Power Systems continues to drive forward in engine emission reduction, electronic power generation presents a clear advantage over traditional diesel counterparts by drastically reducing the CO2 emissions as a result of efficiency gains from better power and load management.
In addition, the emission levels achieved with DEP engines enable shipping companies to obtain special environmental certification with the Marine Classification Societies, such as DNV Clean Design, GL Green Passport, LR Character N or the German Government’s Blauer Engel. These environmental classes not only add to the vessel owner’s image but also reduce harbor fees in some parts of the world.
Putting the engines to the test
Since launching earlier this year, Cat dealers have received increasing interest in the diesel electric option because they can provide all necessary components to develop a turn-key solution, including transfer switches and switchboards.
The Edison Chouest Offshore family of companies has already announced plans to design and build a series of deepwater diesel-electric offshore supply vessels. Cat engines will power the 300-ft, 5,300 DWT vessels with 4x 3512C DEP 1700 ekW engines powering two 2500kW variable speed electric motors and a range of thrusters motors. These vessels are scheduled for completion in 2010.