LNG power for cruise ships

The company’s MaK 16 M 46 DF dual fuel engines, along with the full LNG supply and handling system, are to be installed on four new ships. Two of which are under construction at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg (Germany) and Turku (Finland) shipyards.

“From a single source, we provide the complete system for ship operators who wish to capitalise on the benefits of LNG as a marine fuel,” said Ulf Hannemann, Caterpillar Marine cruise and ferry segment manager.

He added: “We have successfully completed a number of diesel to dual-fuel conversions in the commercial shipping sector and our pipeline of newbuild installations continues to grow.”

Caterpillar Marine now offers all round LNG propulsion solutions, including shore-side bunkering to on-board storage from bunker tanks via LNG handling and treatment to the dual fuel engines including automation systems.

As well as the dual fuel main engines MaK 16 M 46 DF, in cooperation with LNG and cryogenic specialist Marine Service GmbH.

“However, it is in the cruise sector that we see the greatest opportunities. Clean fuel for cruise vessels is essential in both operational and business strategy terms,” added Mr Hannemann.

Research and development at Caterpillar’s Rostock facility has demonstrated the efficient operation of LNG main engines at loads of less than 20% for the first time.

Caterpillar’s sales and service partner Zeppelin Power Systems, headquartered in Hamburg, is managing the project.

“As a trusted Caterpillar sales and servicer partner for over 60 years with extensive experience in power solutions, we offer our customers individual and highly efficient solutions for marine applications,” explained Volker Possoegel, Zeppelin Power Systems chief executive officer.

He concluded: “With our excellent sales and service organization, we are looking forward to providing the new flagships with comprehensive engineering and service competence to ensure the highest uptime.”