Cat engine to power split hopper dredger
One of the world’s largest split hopper dredgers is being built with an engine from German-owned Caterpillar Marine.
The 4200 cubic metre capacity vessel, scheduled for launch in September, will receives its shaft propulsion power from two Cat C280-8 engines used to power Cat MTA727 controllable pitch azimuthing thrusters.
“The propulsion system is very critical for dredgers in terms of operations and financial returns,” commented Jiang Guowang, deputy GM of Jiangsu Haixin Shipyard in Nantong, China, where the vessel will be constructed. “The high reliability and power efficiency of Cat engines, combined with Lei Sing Hang’s strong technical and service capability are the main reasons we choose Caterpillar Marine solution.”
The electrical load is supplied by generators mounted on the front of the C280-8 engines and backed up by a C32 harbor genset and a C7.1 emergency genset.
The C280-8 provision of mechanical shaft power to the thrusters from the flywheel end and electrical shaft power off the C280-8 front end provides a simplified installation that helps maintain engine efficiency.
The dredger was designed by MARIC Design House in conjunction with the Jiangsu Haixin shipyard.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
