MTU series 4000 engine chosen for Eagle repower

JULY 26, 2016 — The U.S. Coast Guard’s sail training barque Eagle is to be repowered with a Series 8V 4000 MTU propulsion engine for use when not operating under sail.

The repower will also include the addition of the MTU Callosum – an integrated ship automation system that allows operators to monitor the propulsion plant, the on-board power supply and the entire ship.

According to prime contractor, Alexandria, VA, based BMT Designers & Planners, the $1.5 million (approx.) project involves engineering, design, supply and logistics support to install the new engine, ZF gearbox, propeller, automation system and other related components.

BMT’s scope includes providing the complete work package of design plans and specifications, engineering data for provisioning, technical manuals, training, on-site and post-availability technical support.

With the support of its suppliers, BMT will also be providing all of the equipment to the Coast Guard shipyard in Curtis Bay, MD, for installation on the vessel in the winter of 2017-18.

“The project presents some unique engineering challenges, and it is exciting to be involved in extending the life of this majestic historic vessel,” says BMT’s Project Manager Emily Whitman, PE.

The project is Ms. Whitman’s first major assignment since joining the firm five months ago.

The MTU brand is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems and BMT will partner with Rolls Royce Power Systems distributor Johnson & Towers (J&T).

As BMT’s sub-consultant, J&T is supplying the engine, gearbox and other components for the project.

J&T will supervise installation and conduct onsite product training, while MTU will offer engineering program support.

The U.S. Coast Guard is MTU’s biggest customer in the United States.”The U.S. Coast Guard fleet has many MTU-powered vessels,” said Mike Rizzo, government naval program manager at MTU America Inc.

“By powering the U.S. Coast Guard training cutter with the MTU Series 4000, cadets will be able to directly translate their experience on the training cutter to other MTU-powered vessels.”

The 295-ft Eagle was delivered to the German Navy in 1936 by shipbuilder Blohm & Voss and was among postwar reparations paid to the United States. She was recommissioned as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle in 1945.