Caterpillar Debuts MaK M 25 E Engine Platform
Efficient power solution can deliver up to $250,000 in fuel savings for offshore supply vessels
Caterpillar Marine announced the launch of the MaK M 25 E engine platform at the 2014 SMM Exhibition, held September 9 -12 in Hamburg, Germany. Developed for state-of-the-art vessel designs with an emphasis on fuel savings, the platform was specifically designed to address the evolving global marine industry requirements while maximizing operators’ bottom line. Key product features include optimized engine performance as well as an efficient part load range, which can help to save up to 40 tons of fuel a year when operating vessels at variable engine speed. Vessels typically operating at lower loads can save up to 60 tons of fuel per year by changing the operating mode from constant-to variable engine speed. The M 25 E will be available to order from the global MaK dealer network in fourth quarter 2014 and is ideal for offshore and coastal cargo vessels.
Caterpillar Marine senior product definition engineer Detlef Kirste commented, “The reliability of the new MaK 25 E is assured, given that it is based on the legendary M 25 C platform. In addition to adding a 5 percent power increase and reducing the fuel consumption on this platform, we also engineered the M 25 E to capitalize on the synergies between the engine, vessel and propulsion system.”
Developed to be compatible with both traditional and modern mechanical systems as well as electric propulsion systems, the M 25 E will be available in 6, 8 and 9 cylinder configurations offering ratings between 2,100 kW and 3,150 kW at 720 and 750 rpm.
By combining a set of proven technologies such as Flexible Camshaft, Waste Gate Technology and Cylinder Bypass Valve, Caterpillar Marine engineers designed engine ratings to support varied operational profiles of vessels at the lowest smoke emissions while supporting the installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for the lowest NOx emissions at the same time.
The engine is suited for vessels where the hull and propeller have been optimized for the lowest operational costs at cruising speeds as well as for vessels where customers have elected to lower operational fuel costs by utilizing selected load profiles in combination with the most efficient engine speed. Equipped with the new Modular Alarm and Control System (MACS) the M 25 E also supports remote condition monitoring and diagnostic maintenance programs.
The customizable M 25 E was designed to leverage Cat Propulsion solutions and is available in controllable pitch and fixed pitch propeller applications as well as generator applications.
“The M 25 E has a very high torque to speed ratio allowing operators to run their CP propellers at a reduced propeller shaft speed, significantly increasing the propulsive efficiency and lowering fuel consumption,” Jonas Nyberg Caterpillar Propulsion sales manager noted. “The improved load response also makes them the ideal engines for any demanding transient operations such as Dynamic Positioning."
New Part Load Kits for the MaK M 32 E engine platform
Caterpillar Marine also introduced optional part load kits for the MaK M 32 E platform. Developed specifically for offshore vessels, the M 32 E part load kits are available for both constant speed and variable speed operations. Both kits combine lowest possible fuel consumption in part load range with highest possible power output at full load.
Offshore vessel applications, specifically Offshore Supply Vessels (OSV) and Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels, typically encounter a significant period during their lifetime where they have limited power demand from the engines. Operating in stand-by or dynamic positioning mode often requires the use of multiple engines in combination with low power consumption, resulting in low load operation of two or three engines at the same time. The part load kits enables all vessels operating M 32 E engines primarily in the part load range improved fuel efficiency, load acceptance and reduced smoke.
“It was a big challenge for us to implement a part load optimization into the increased power rating concept without sacrificing the reliability and durability MaK marine engine platforms are known for,” said Carsten Seeburg, MaK product definition manager. “Additionally, the M 32 E part load kits reduce operating costs and help to improve vessel owner bottom lines.”
The constant speed part load kit for M 32 E offers fuel savings up to 10 g/kWh with a 3x33% load step capability. The kit includes the proven Flexible Camshaft Technology and an intelligent control software integrated into the new Modular Alarm Control and Safety (MACS) System.
The variable speed part load kit for M 32 E is based on the constant speed part load kit with the same improvements but with increased fuel savings up to 24 g/kWh. The variable speed kit is able to achieve reduced fuel consumption as a result of the reduced engine speed at lower loads. Key components in the variable speed part load kit include a modified turbocharger, a cylinder bypass valve and waste gate.
“For our offshore customers operating their ships in the part-load range, the need to be able to provide the lowest fuel consumption possible is paramount,” Seeburg noted. “In these applications, the maximum power output is typically needed less than 8% of their annual operating hours. However, if the vessel needs to go full throttle, the operator can rest assured that the M 32 E engine optimized with a part load kit is more than capable of providing the thrust needed.”
The M 32 E offered with the new part load kit fits in the Cat Marine product line between the full load optimized M 32 C and the fuel flexible M 34 DF. Cat marine power and propulsion solutions are backed by the worldwide Cat dealer network with trained technicians to ensure service support is never out of reach.
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