Panama Canal Authority orders GE Marine engines for 14 tug newbuilds

JUNE 14, 2012 — GE Marine, a business unit of GE Transportation, has won an order for 28 of its Model 8L250 Marine engines to power 14 new tugboats commissioned by the Panama Canal Authority (see earlier story).

This is the third order by the authority for GE Marine engines to power its fleet. The first order for 26 GE Marine Model 12V228 engines was placed in 2008 to power 13 vessels that are now in service. A second order was placed in 2009 for an additional four Model 12V228 engines for tugs still being built.

Marinsa International, the GE Authorized Distributor for Panama, will commission and install the engines and continue to support the operating fleet.

“There is no higher compliment for our technology team than multiple orders from an important customer,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the Panama Canal Authority.”

GE Marine engines are designed for availability, performance and low life-cycle cost. GE’s global distributor network provides regional support and service for the portfolio of GE Marine engines.

“These new tugboats are an important acquisition for the operation of the Panama Canal. By upgrading our equipment and streamlining processes, Canal operations are improved for the benefit of our customers around the world,” said Alberto Alemán Zubieta, Panama Canal Authority Administrator.

“GE moves millions of people and goods every day via its transportation products and services,” said Hector Aguilar, GE CEO for Central America and the Caribbean. “For more than 100 years, GE has built a strong relationship with the Panama Canal Authority providing and offering the highest technology and services. We are delighted to be a part of this new acquisition.”