Cat power and propulsion packages picked for ALP tugs

JUNE 19, 2014 — Caterpillar Marine says that Cat power and propulsion offerings have been selected to provide complete propulsion solutions for the four Ulstein SX157 design ocean going AHTS that Japan’s Niigata Shipbuilding & Repair will build for ALP Maritime Services, the Netherlands based company acquired by Teekay Offshore in February.

The vessels are being developed for towing large structures such as oil rigs and floating production units over long distances. The bollard pull for each of the four vessels will be 300 tons and they will be capable of operating at full loads for 45 days without refueling.

Each vessel will have four MaK 9 M 32 C propulsion engines, rated at 4,500 bkW @ 600 rpm and three Cat C32 auxiliary generator sets rated at 940 ekW @ 1,800 rpm as well as one Cat C9 generator set to provide emergency power.

All four vessels will each  be equipped with two AEM shaft generators rated at 3,150 ekW @ 1,200 rpm. Each vessel has two Cat BCP1330F main propellers, two BTT625 tunnel thrusters and two BTT419 tunnel thrusters.

The MaK and Cat power and propulsion solutions will be delivered over the course of the next year.

Cat dealer Pon Power led the Caterpillar efforts on the sale in conjunction with Cat Propulsion.

“This remarkable project is a milestone achievement for Caterpillar Marine as it represents to the global marine industry what we are capable of as a comprehensive provider of not only power solutions but propulsion systems. Through our rigorous project management and close collaboration with Cat dealer Pon Power, we have been able to seamlessly work with Ulstein to equip the vessels with performance solutions you can only get from Caterpillar,” said Alexander Kohse, Caterpillar Marine global offshore segment manager. “As a result of the synergies we offer amongst our power, propulsion and comprehensive service offerings, shipyards and operators can rely on Caterpillar for more than ever before.”

Cat BCP controllable-pitch main propellers have been specifically designed and developed for heavy-duty applications with the pitch setting hydraulic servo cylinder in the hub. The hub lubrication system is a unique oil circulating system with an integrated moisture monitoring system. This is the first hub system in the shipbuilding industry where the moisture content is constantly checked, making it possible to protect the entire propeller system as well as the environment.

Cat tunnel thrusters feature a modular design with modern transmission layout and custom-designed blades to suit each individual application. The complete thruster can be mounted and dismounted in the tunnel (swing-in/swingout design) and can be driven by electric motor or diesel engine. Built to meet the demands of the major classification standards, the thrusters offer customers maximum reliability with minimum downtime and good serviceability.