Caterpillar closes Berg Propulsion acquisition

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — Caterpillar Marine reports that its acquisition of Johan Walter Berg AB has successfully closed, enabling it to now offer complete propulsion systems to the commercial marine market.

Headquartered in Öckerö Islands, Sweden, Berg has designed and manufactured heavy-duty marine thrusters and controllable pitch propellers since 1929. Its proprietary systems are employed in maritime applications throughout the world that require precise maneuvering and positioning. Berg’s core brand, Berg Propulsion, is a leading manufacturer of mechanically and electrically driven propulsion systems and marine controls for ships.

As a result of the acquisition completion, all Berg Propulsion products will be rebranded as Caterpillar. The new Cat Propulsion System for optimized bundles and propulsion packages includes controllable pitch propellers, transverse thrusters, azimuth thrusters, aftermarket parts and remote control systems. All Cat Propulsion System products are suited for the complete line of Cat and MaK medium and high speed engines.

“The strategic goal driving our business is to be able to provide Caterpillar Marine customers around the world with integrated propulsion systems that enable them to maximize the uptime of their vessels while minimizing operating costs,” said Nigel Parkinson, Caterpillar Marine managing director. “As a result of the successful Berg acquisition, our customers can rely on Caterpillar and the Cat dealer network to provide the total package: a complete propulsion system that is supported globally.”

The launch of Cat Propulsion Systems builds on Caterpillar’s introduction of integrated propulsion and maneuvering systems for pleasure craft vessels in 2011.

Caterpillar says that the Cat Propulsion System will enable customers in the commercial marine industry, specifically the offshore, tug and salvage, dredge and merchant segments, to purchase a trusted Cat power solution as well as a heavy duty thruster or propeller system without having to rely on a third party vendor. Caterpillar will be able to optimize the propulsion system to maximize efficiency, maximize vessel availability and minimize operation cost. The user-friendly Cat control panel will ensure all components are easily configured and monitored on the vessel. The new Cat Propulsion System offerings will also be covered by the services offered by Cat Financial.