At the New Orleans Workboat Show, Caterpillar Marine and Istanbul-based Sanmar Shipyards have signed a collaboration agreement to build an innovative tugboat with a hydraulic hybrid propulsion system.
The Cat Marine Advanced Variable Drive™ (AVD™) is a patented system leveraging Caterpillar’s extensive experience with integrated power systems technology. Sanmar is the largest tug builder in Turkey with over 40 years of experience and known as a market leader at the forefront of the tug building industry.
The Sanmar hydraulic hybrid tug will be a Robert Allan Ltd. designed RAmparts 2400SX harbour tug (Sanmar’s popular Bogacay series) incorporating an integrated Caterpillar AVD™ system.
The AVD™ system provides significant improvements in both fuel efficiency and vessel performance through a fully integrated hydro-mechanical propulsion system.
“Different from a typical Power Take In (PTI) solution, the AVD™ incorporates a planetary gear set allowing seamless clutch engagement of main engines, auxiliary engines, or both to provide a scalable power installation to meet any customer need in terms of maximum vessel speed, power, or bollard pull,” said Nathan Kelly, Caterpillar Marine Product Definition Engineer. “This also allows propeller speed independent of engine speed so optimal engine efficiency can be achieved leading to fuel savings of fifteen to twenty percent. Basically, all the benefits of a variable speed Diesel Electric Propulsion (DEP) system at a fraction of the cost and size,” said Kelly.
The AVD™ system is also flexible and can accommodate multiple configurations. Auxiliary engines can be utilized to accommodate low load or transit operations greatly extending time to overhaul and reducing service costs on main engines. Electric motors can be used instead of hydraulics if required. Diesel engines can be substituted by natural gas engines as the AVD™ system provides superior vessel performance regardless of engine load acceptance. Main engines can also be downsized with supplemental power provided via auxiliary engines or generators if electric motors are used.
“This strategic development between Sanmar and Caterpillar will provide a highly optimized, lower cost alternative to conventional electric hybrid systems with similar benefits regarding improved performance, lower noise, and lower emissions,” said Ali Gürün, Director of Projects, Sanmar Shipyards.
The Sanmar hydraulic hybrid tug will incorporate an integrated Caterpillar AVD™ system of 3512 main engines, a C32 auxiliary engine, Caterpillar MTA 627 fixed pitch tug thrusters, and bridge controls. It will carry Fifi 1 designation with 70 tonnes bollard pull and will be supported by Turkish Caterpillar dealer Borusan Makina. The AVD™ system will also include a fully integrated controls system with customizable operating modes and display panels at the bridge. Compared to a conventional tug with equivalent bollard pull, the Return on Investment (ROI) is estimated at three years or less based on projected fuel and operating cost savings.
About Sanmar A.S.
Although originally founded 40 years ago to provide tug and pilotage services, which it continues to do today, it has also established a greater worldwide reputation as a specialist, high-quality tug builder from its two modern, custom built shipyards. It leads the world in the construction of Robert Allan Limited designed vessels with a reference list which exceeds 180 examples. Sanmar also supports its customers by providing technical consultancy services in advising the most appropriate tug and workboat design and equipment that will meet their operational needs.
About Caterpillar
For over 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2016 sales and revenues of $38.5 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment.