Caterpillar Debuts Hybrid Propulsion System

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has introduced the Cat Powered Marine Hybrid System, a hybrid propulsion package applicable to all engine platforms.

Developed with electrical specialists Aspin Kemp & Associates, the package uses AKA’s XeroPoint Hybrid marine propulsion system and provides fuel savings of as much as 25 percent and even emissions reductions.

A recent California Air Resources Board study found a 73 percent reduction in particulate matter, a 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide and a 26 percent reduction in carbon dioxide, the company announced.

Significant improvements are also seen in performance, control and noise levels. The new system is available for order through the Caterpillar dealer network.

The system is being used in the global tug and salvage market. The RT Adriaan, a hybrid tug built by Kotug, features triple Caterpillar 3512 marine engines and the new hybrid system. Pleased with the performance of the Caterpillar hybrid system, Kotug has elected to install it on two new tugs under construction at the Damen shipyard. Two more hybrid-ready tugs are under construction at the Cheoy Lee Shipyard.

“Caterpillar has a long history of providing innovation to the marine industry. As an organization with a large global footprint we recognize the importance of environmental sustainability,” Caterpillar marine and petroleum power V.P. Tom Frake said.

“At Caterpillar, we have made it a priority to leverage the technology and innovation that will minimize emissions and fuel consumption while optimizing the use of renewable resources. We believe that AKA’s XeroPoint Hybrid marine propulsion system aligns very well with our corporate strategy, and we are delighted to work with them to offer hybrid technology to our worldwide client base.”