Norwegian Caterpillar distributor Zeppelin Power (formerly known as Pon Power) has received an order for six methanol and bio-diesel ready engines to be installed in a new-generation offshore tug being built for Østensjø Rederi at Astilleros Gondan in Spain.
The vessel will operate with two Cat 3516E main engines, each rated at 3000kW, two Cat 3512E variable speed generator sets of 1901kW each, plus a Cat C9.3 harbour generator and a Cat C4.4E emergency genset.
According to Østensjø, the new vessel will be part of the company’s aim to develop new solutions and set new industry standards, with a vessel claimed to become a new ‘benchmark for bollard pull in relation to the size of the ship’. The tug is designed to operate at high efficiency using the two Cat 3512E generator sets that run at variable speed to optimise fuel consumption, reduce noise and minimise emissions. When maximum pulling power is needed, the two 3516E engines are connected directly to the shafts, providing increased power in a very compact footprint.
The newly developed Cat 3516E engines, with six sequential turbochargers, will provide immediate response throughout the entire speed range and have been developed specifically with the tugboat segment in mind. The gensets are delivered with double insulation for maximum noise and vibration damping to meet Østensjø’s specifications for quiet crew facilities. All engines are equipped with SCR for exhaust purification, and are prepared for biofuel and future conversion to methanol.
Delivery is planned for the first quarter of 2028. This will be Østensjø’s largest and most powerful tug, and will further strengthen the company’s offshore towage capacity.
Bernt Eidsvik, Sales Manager, Zeppelin Power, said: “We are very pleased with the trust Østensjø has shown in letting Zeppelin Power contribute to a project that sets new standards for efficiency, environment and performance. This vessel will become a reference point in the industry.”
Image: Østensjø Rederi’s new-generation tug, being constructed at Gondan in Spain (source: Zeppelin Power)
