Caterpillar Brief

Caterpillar Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Caterpillar new Perkins Engine facility in India

December 01, 2011

Caterpillar Inc. reported that it will create a new, state-of-the-art, $150 million engine manufacturing facility in India for the production of Perkins branded 4000 Series engines. Perkins is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar. The company is also investing an additional $62 million in its existing offhighway truck manufacturing facility in Chennai. The new investment to expand truck capacity in Chennai is in addition to a $108 million investment for Chennai that Caterpillar reported in 2010. Together these new investments will help support customers in India and other growth markets, and are part of Caterpillar’s goal to be the leader in its industry in India.

Perkins Engine

Perkins 1300 Series EDI Engine

Caterpillar Group President Rich Lavin and Caterpillar India and ASEAN country manager Kevin Thieneman announced the new investments during an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of Caterpillar’s manufacturing facility in Thiruvallur, India.

“The Government of India has embarked on an aggressive plan to accelerate road construction and overall infrastructure development, and Caterpillar and our dealers are continuing to make investments in India to support these growth plans,” Lavin said. “The investments we announced today will ensure that our customers have access to world class solutions to complete projects on time and at the lowest owning and operating costs.”

As part of Caterpillar’s 2015 corporate strategy, the company is aggressively investing to increase capacity for a wide range of products in key growth markets such as India and is continuing to invest to support customers in developed economies such as North America, Europe and Japan.

“As our earlier investments in India have neared completion, Caterpillar is moving rapidly to respond to market conditions in India and to make these additional new investments,” Thieneman said. “This new investment will play a role in developing our technology further while benefiting our customers who are playing a vital role in the transformation of the Indian economy,” Thieneman added.

The location for the new Perkins engine facility has yet to be determined, although the site selection process is expected to be completed in the near future. Caterpillar currently has three manufacturing facilities, a logistics services base and a research and development center in India.

Caterpillar acquisition of MWM approved by European Commission

October 20, 2011

Caterpillar Inc. has been given notification that the European Commission (EC) has approved Caterpillar’s acquisition of MWM Holding GmbH (MWM) from 3i and funds managed by 3i. With the acquisition of MWM, a world-known global supplier of sustainable, natural gas and alternative-fuel engines, Caterpillar will considerably extend customer options for sustainable power generation solutions.

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“We are pleased with this decision from the EC,” said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman. “The MWM business is a natural complement to our longstanding diesel and gas powered generation business, and the integration of MWM will result in important synergies leveraging the two companies’ existing product ranges,advanced engine technologies, research and development resources, manufacturing, distribution and customer support capabilities,” Oberhelman added.

The EC clearance is the last major regulatory requirement needed for the acquisition to be completed, and the transaction is expected to close before year end. The transaction is valued at €580 million (approximately $800 million) and will be paid in cash.

MWM draws on more than 135 years of experience in the development and optimization of combustion engines for natural gas, special gases and diesel. MWM will become part of Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, which supplies natural gas and diesel generator sets and integrated power systems involved in the generation, control and supply of electricity.

For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2010 sales and revenues of $42.588 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 also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services.

Caterpillar vice president retires

October 14, 2011

Caterpillar Inc. has communicated today that Chris Schena, 62, has chosen to retire after more than 39 years of excellent service to the company. Schena has been a Caterpillar vice president since 2002 and is currently a vice president for Europe and South America operations.

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“Since joining Caterpillar in Belgium in 1972, Chris has demonstrated outstanding business leadership skills with a proven record of delivering superior operational results while always maintaining a focus on developing people within his. organizations,” said Rich Lavin, Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for Construction Industries and Growth Markets. “During his distinguished career, Chris has provided leadership to Caterpillar business units and operations on three continents. He was a pioneer of lean manufacturing processes while leading Caterpillar’s operations in Brazil in the late 1990s and as a result, Caterpillar’s manufacturing operations in Brazil remain among the very best within the company,” Lavin added. Schena holds a B.A. in business administration and an M.B.A. from Universite de l’Etat a Mons in Belgium. He began his Caterpillar career in 1972, and held a number of cost and business analysis positions with increasing responsibility at Caterpillar’s operations in Belgium and USA. In 1992, he was named product source planning manager, Technical Services Division. In 1996, Schena was named General Manager for Caterpillar Brasil Ltda. In 2002, he became a Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Component Products & Control Systems Division. Schena’s retirement will be effective July 1, 2012.

Mark Sweeney named Vice President

Caterpillar’s Board of Directors has appointed Mark Sweeney, 51, currently operations director for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, a Caterpillar vice president. Sweeney’s appointment is effective January 1, 2012, and he will replace Schena as vice president with responsibility for Europe and South America Operations. Schena and Sweeney will focus on the transition of responsibilities during the first half of 2012.

“Mark was managing FG Wilson’s Research and Development group when Caterpillar acquired the company in the mid 1990s, and we immediately recognized his technical expertise and leadership skills,” Lavin said. “With his engineering, marketing and operations background, and based on his outstanding leadership within FG Wilson and the Electric Power Division, Mark is an ideal fit for this new role,” Lavin added.

Prior to joining FG Wilson, Sweeney was a manager with Mercury Marine based in the United States. He joined FG Wilson in 1994 as the manager of Research and Development. He held a number of research and engineering leadership positions with increasing responsibility and in 2000 was named an FG Wilson vice president with responsibility for Product Development & FG Wilson Marketing Services. Sweeney has held his current position as operations director for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division since 2006. In that role, Sweeney has operations responsibility for facilities in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. In addition, Sweeney was a member of the company’s Strategic Planning Committee that was responsible for developing the current enterprise strategy. Sweeney holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Queens University in Belfast. He also participated in the Darden Executive Development Program at the University of Virginia in 2004.

New Responsibilities for Steve Fisher Steve Fisher, 56, currently Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the integration of Caterpillar and Bucyrus, has been named to replace Gary Stroup as vice president with responsibility for the Large Power Systems and Growth Markets Division.

Stroup’s retirement was previously announced, and Fisher will assume his new duties effective January 1, 2012.

“Steve has demonstrated outstanding foresight, energy and effectiveness in successfully leading the Bucyrus integration, which is by far, Caterpillar’s largest acquisition to date,” said Gerard Vittecoq, Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for Energy and Power Systems. “Along with his proven track record for growing Caterpillar’s Remanufacturing business, where he previously served as a vice president, I am sure Steve will bring a great deal of energy and innovation to the Large Power Systems and Growth Markets Division,” Vittecoq added.

Fisher joined Caterpillar in 1978 as an accounting trainee. He held numerous accounting and cost management positions, serving as a business resource manager and cost and business analysis services manager. He was instrumental in mergers and acquisitions activity and in the development of the company’s internal strategic consulting business while in corporate accounting. He joined the remanufacturing products group as general manager in 2001. Fisher became a Caterpillar vice president in 2006. Fisher has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bradley University and is a certified public accountant. He completed the Duke University Advanced Management Program in 1999.

MSA certification for Caterpillar Marine Dealer Network

October 14, 2011

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has contracted Germanischer Lloyd (GL) to certify the Marine Service Assessments (MSA) of its worldwide marine dealer network. The network includes independent companies which perform sales services, commercial and technical support, as well as maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines and generator sets. GL’s MSA certification will be used as the basis for standardising Caterpillar dealer after sales performance and to bring quality worldwide to make better the final satisfaction of the user on a worldwide level.

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The MSA process was established by Caterpillar to assess and set annual product support related goals for their dealers. The need to standardise the service capabilities of its regional dealers globally quickly became a priority. GL was selected to conduct the certification due to it’s worldwide auditor presence and its in-depth experience in second and third party audits. Germanischer Lloyd will conduct the MSA certification using standardised audit methods i.e. audit performed according to its own ship classification rules. Upon a successful Marine Service Assessment by GL, dealers will be given a GL-certificate as independent evidence demonstrating capabilities as measured using a global standard.

Caterpillar Offices

Caterpillar Offices

The objective of an independent assessment of the technical and commercial performance of the worldwide dealer network is to set a benchmark for Caterpillar’s services centers and to establish a common standard of evaluation. Another objective of the certification program is to help identify areas for improvement in the scope of dealer services including functions such as: technical support, main shop repairs, field repairs, upgrades, parts sales, qualification of technical staff, back-up support, administration, disposition, customer satisfaction, and service and parts delivery time.

GL is continuously expanding its service portfolio by offering independent 2nd and 3rd Party-audits and due to Caterpillar’s worldwide relevance and volume, certification of the MSA represents an important milestone for GL’s certification services.

Caterpillar introduces new Joystick and Pod solutions for marine propulsion

September 29, 2011

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems announces the introduction of state-of-the-art Joystick and Pod solutions for marine propulsion for pleasure craft. Cat dealers will now offer integrated propulsion and maneuvering solutions for customers in addition to the legendary Cat® marine engines. The Cat Joystick and Pod systems will feature proprietary Twin Disc QuickShift® transmission technology.  The Cat dealer network will provide its unrivalled support for these products around the World.


“We spend a lot of time listening to our customers so when they began requesting complete systems solutions from Caterpillar, we went straight to work,” said Richard Case, Caterpillar’s Vice President for Marine and Petroleum Power. “Matching Caterpillar’s superior power systems with the Cat dealer network’s unequalled global product support capabilities enables us to serve as a unique single-source provider of pleasure craft propulsion and maneuvering system needs across a wide power range. We look forward to providing the marine market with Cat propulsion systems.”

The Joystick solution features cutting-edge technology designed to integrate vessel components including the engines, transmissions, thrusters and propellers into a single source of control. Vessels featuring the customizable Cat Joystick system will benefit from a greater ease of maneuverability and docking as well as more responsive vessel steering at low speeds.  The Cat Joystick solution will be available as a complete packaged solution through the Cat dealer network. The package will be available to order in 2012.

All Pods offered by Caterpillar will incorporate the maneuverability elements of the Joystick system. Engineered to be integrated with Cat marine engines, the Cat Pod system incorporates yacht owner and builder requested features, such as improved fuel economy, reduced noise and vibration, optimized operating costs and “plug and play” installation. Yacht builders will also benefit from the Cat Pod system as installation costs and time will dramatically decrease. Beginning in 2014, the Pod will be offered for Cat marine pleasure craft engines operating below 1,000 mhp.

“The unique aspect of the solutions we are developing for pleasure craft applications is the ability to leverage Twin Disc technology with the renowned Cat power and performance. We are proud to collaborate with a true innovative, industry leader and look forward to capitalizing on the combined strengths of Twin Disc and Caterpillar,” noted Nigel Parkinson, Caterpillar Marine Power Systems Managing Director. “We are introducing the Pod and Joystick solutions with both yacht owners’ and builders’ needs in mind. Our goal is to provide a superior experience for both and these new solutions will undoubtedly help us to continue to meet these goals.”

Customers will be able to order the Joystick and Pod solutions from the global Cat dealer distribution network. Cat dealers will also provide stellar product support and service on both systems after the sale.

Caterpillar to expand its facilities in Wamego

August 19, 2011

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) announced today it will begin work immediately to expand its work tools business in Wamego, Kansas. The company will begin construction of a 40,000-square-foot-building at its work tools campus in Wamego. When the new facility is open, Caterpillar will have a total of nearly a quarter of a million square feet of manufacturing space under roof at its work tools campus in Wamego.

“Many of the products we make in Wamego end up being exported all over the world, and this expansion will position our operations in Wamego to grow and meet the expected increase in customer demand as we drive toward Caterpillar’s strategy and goals for 2015 and beyond,” said Bill Springer, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the work tools business.

Once fully operational, the new facility is expected to increase Caterpillar’s employment in Wamego by about 120 positions, bringing the total workforce in Wamego to more than 500 people. Caterpillar manufactures buckets, blades and other work tools in Wamego that are used on a wide range of Cat machinery.

“Caterpillar’s investment is great news for Wamego and Kansas. This effort is a true testament to the talented local workforce and the collaborative work done by state and local leaders,” Governor Sam Brownback said. “Today’s announcement shows that with the right business environment, Kansas can compete for good jobs and win.”

The world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, Caterpillar is in the midst of strategic capacity expansions globally including new facilities and the expansion and upgrade of current operations in North America, South America, Europe and across Asia. The company plans to invest $3 billion in capital expenditures in 2011, with about half of that investment at its operations in the United States.

“The world’s population is continuing to grow, and a greater percentage of people are benefiting from a higher standard of living. Caterpillar is making strategic investments today in order to increase production capacity in the coming years to meet demand for our products, which are used by our customers to enable sustainable and positive economic development around the world,” said Steve Wunning, Caterpillar group president with responsibility for Resource Industries.

46m Motor Yacht Monarch launched by Delta Marine

April 18, 2011

The 46 Motor Yacht Monarch has been launched by Delta Marine in Seattle. The superyacht Monarch was completed by Delta Marine and Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation (Cat Financial) and features exterior styling and interior design by Jonathan Quinn Barnett Ltd (JQB).  The 151-foot semi displacement Monarch yacht boasts a balance of elegance and strength, form and function, performance, range and comfort

46m Motor Yacht Monarch launched by Delta Marine

46m Motor Yacht Monarch launched by Delta Marine

Motor yacht Monarch has a flared hull design with a hard chine to deflect spray and a high sheer line that captures a full beam arrangement forward of amidships. Her bulbous bow increases efficiency.

The yacht has a great interior volume with a 30’ 9”beam, and features a modern interior complementing the bold exterior styling, with a two-tone paint scheme.

“The interior for this yacht will be a great departure from any of my previous work. We have developed a modern approach to the detailing using traditional satin paint finishes, almost with the appearance of being ‘hand brushed.’ Large windows allow natural light in and enhance the soft monochromatic coloring and textures,” says Barnett.

The 46m yacht Monarch is able accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 luxurious and well appointed cabins including a full beam master stateroom on the main deck, two king cabins, one queen cabin and one-twin berth stateroom.

The Jonathan Quinn Barnett designed motor yacht Monarch boasts impressive outdoor deck areas that are a harmonious mix of sheltered and open venues, expansive settings and secluded corners, suitable for various social occasions and relaxing alike.

M/Y MONARCH by Delta Marine is wheelchair accessible, with extra wide doors, spacious walkways and a centrally located elevator providing convenient access to all four decks.

Powered by twin Cat 3512 B series engines, the yacht can attain a maximum speed of up to 22 knots, a cruising speed of 18 knots with a range of 3,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. The superyacht is ABS and MCA certified, under 500 gross tons.

Yacht MONARCH Specifications

LOA: 150’ 8” / 46.2 m
LWL: 135’ 2” / 41.1 m
Beam: 30’ 9” / 9.4 m (molded)
Draft: 7’ 0” / 2 m (half load)
Displacement: 320 long tons (half load
Gross Tonnage: Under 500 GT ITC
Engines: 2 x Cat 3512B 2,250 BHp @ 1,925 rpm
Speed: 21 knots
Cruise :18 knots
Fuel Capacity: 12,500 US gallons / 47,300 liters
Range: 2,500 nautical miles @ 12 knots
Generators: 2 x Northern Lights 99 kw, 1 x Northern Lights 65 kw
Stabilizers: 4-Fin System w/ Stabilization at Rest
Bow thrusters: Trac II Dual Prop 24” 100 hp
Fresh Water Capacity: 1,800 US gallons / 6,814 liters
Water-Makers :2 x FCI 1800 GPD
Air-Conditioners: Dometic
Entertainment Systems: Definitive Audio
Paint: Awlgrip
Material: Composite
Owner & Guests: 10
Crew: 12
Classification: ABS, MCA
Exterior Styling: Jonathan Quinn Barnett
Interior Space Planning: Jonathan Quinn Barnett
Interior Design: Jonathan Quinn Barnett
Builder/Year: Northern Marine, 2010
Tenders: 19’ Nautica, 15’ Nautica
Crane: Steelhead Marine CT4000

About Delta – Delta is a world leader in composite yacht construction, pioneering the use of composite superstructures on metal-hulled yachts. Their reputation for building seaworthy, quality vessels is built on years of experience and the drive to create innovative and beautiful yachts. Complete with a team of naval architects, marine engineers and skilled workers in specialized fields, Delta expertly combines traditional craftsmanship and the latest technology. We are located just five minutes from Boeing Field, a private jet center, and 10 minutes from Downtown Seattle.

About CAT Financial – Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation is the financial arm of Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 50 company, a technology leader and the world’s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, natural gas and diesel engines, and industrial gas turbines. For more than 28 years, Cat Financial, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., has been providing a wide range of financing alternatives for the complete line of Cat machinery and engines, Solar ® gas turbines, other related equipment and marine vessels. The company also extends loans to customers and dealers. Cat Financial has offices and subsidiaries located throughout the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe.

About JQB Ltd – Established in 1995, this Seattle-based design firm has provided award-winning design for an international client base. Jonathan Barnett’s design career began in 1987 working with the famously talented Jon Bannenberg, of London. After nearly seven years of world class design experience, Jonathan returned to the US to launch his own design studio. For fifteen years, the award-winning design studio has provided exterior and interior design services for new-build and refit yacht projects ranging in size from 50 feet to well over 400 feet in length.

Caterpillar to build new $300 million manufacturing facility in Tianjin

November 21, 2010

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) announced today that it will build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, to increase its worldwide capacity for large-engine production. Once operational in 2013, the engine facility will become Caterpillar’s third global source for the company’s industry leading 3500 series engines. The facility in Tianjin will focus on producing engines for customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

For more than 20 years, Caterpillar 3500 series engines have delivered reliable power for Caterpillar machinery used in demanding applications worldwide. In addition, 3500 series engines have continuously satisfied difficult requirements for global customers in a wide range of industrial applications, including the oil and gas, marine and electric power industries.

Caterpillar China executives and leaders joined officials from Tianjin at a signing ceremony today to announce the $300 million (USD) project, which represents Caterpillar’s largest new engine facility investment to date in China.

“For years, Caterpillar customers across China have been using machinery and gen-sets powered by 3500 engines to help drive sustainable economic progress and development,” said Jiming Zhu, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for China. “With the opening of this new engine facility in Tianjin, Caterpillar will be better positioned to compete and support its growing base of customers in China and across Asia,” Zhu added.

Caterpillar’s Large Engine Center in Lafayette, Indiana, will continue to produce the 3500 series engines as well as other large engines now made at Lafayette. The Lafayette facility will focus on supporting 3500 series customers outside of the Asia-Pacific region. As such, the company does not expect the opening of the new facility in Tianjin to have an impact on current employment in Lafayette.

“This is a long-term strategic decision to increase capacity for 3500 engines that will position Caterpillar to better meet customer demand for these engines in all regions of the world,” said Gary Stroup, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Large Power Systems Division.

In recent years, Caterpillar and its independent dealers have made significant investments to expand the range of products and components produced in China, increase and improve customer support services, and expand and enhance dealer coverage in every province. Today, Caterpillar has more than 7,400 employees across China.

CEO Doug Oberhelman positive about Caterpillar’s future growth

August 20, 2010

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) CEO Doug Oberhelman reviewed the company’s updated five-year strategy and goals with analysts and investors this afternoon. During a presentation followed by a question and answer session held at the historic New York Stock Exchange, Oberhelman expressed confidence about Caterpillar’s growth opportunities throughout the world and the company’s strategic focus on operational execution, which will drive financial performance over the next five years.


Oberhelman also discussed growth opportunities and highlighted a series of recent investments totaling more than $2.5 billion that will increase capacity in nearly all geographic regions around the world and will position Caterpillar to expand rapidly.

“We have streamlined our organization from the top down, and our leadership team is driving an intense focus on helping our customers succeed,” Oberhelman said. “From our factory floors to our research and development laboratories and everywhere across the company, we have the talent in place to win, and as we execute this strategy, we will deliver greater value to our customers, our stockholders and employees.”

The primary goals for the next five years are focused in three areas:

Delivering superior results – earnings per share growth, operating profit after capital charge (an internal metric for measuring business performance) and cash flow

Developing the best team of people – world-class safety and inclusion

Becoming the global leader everywhere we do business – from the quality of our products, to PINS (percent of industry sales) and including aftermarket parts growth

The Caterpillar Production System (CPS) is the primary enabler of the company’s plan to execute the updated strategy. Since its implementation, CPS has already resulted in gains in product quality, cost savings and employee safety. CPS is also the key reason Caterpillar’s manufacturing efficiency has improved in every quarter since the end of 2008.

“Our primary goal for stockholders is delivering total shareholder returns over the business cycle in the top 25 percent of the S&P 500,” Oberhelman said. “To do that, we believe that we need to deliver compound annual earnings per share growth of 15 to 20 percent over the business cycle,” said Oberhelman. “We performed well during the downturn in 2009, and so far this year we’re doing better than we expected as we came into 2010. Last year, we discussed our 2012 profit goal of sales and revenues in a range of $55 to $60 billion, and earnings per share of $8 to $10 – and that’s still our goal for 2012. We are on the path to 15 to 20 percent growth over the cycle,” Oberhelman added.

In just the last two months, Caterpillar has announced a series of investments to open new facilities, expand existing operations, develop a new mining shovel product line and expand into the locomotive business with the acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel. The company’s improved financial performance positions Caterpillar to continue making these strategic long-term investments in order to maintain its global industry leadership.

“These recent investments total more than $2.5 billion that Caterpillar is putting to work over the next several years in the United States, Brazil, China and India,” Oberhelman said. “Our leadership team will be held accountable to deliver on these goals so that we can help our customers become more profitable. When that happens, everyone wins.”

Caterpillar is the marine industry’s leading provider of medium- and high-speed marine diesel engines, generator sets and auxiliary engines. Manufacturing both the Cat® and MaK brands for marine engines.

Caterpillar 930 mhp Rating for Cat® C18 ACERT Marine Diesel Engine

August 03, 2010

The new 930 mhp rating for the popular C18 ACERT engine provides superior power and torque for pleasure craft applications. Building off years of success with the Cat® C18 ACERT marine engine, Caterpillar Marine Power Systems is announcing an additional engine rating for the inline engine to expand the power range available for global customers. 

The 930 mhp (685 bkW) rating for the C18 ACERT propulsion engine provides best in class torque to maximize acceleration and speed.  Along with the 1015 and 1150 mhp ratings currently offered on the C18 ACERT engine, the additional rating will meet current industry demand for high power and is one of several marine engines Caterpillar will bring to the market over the next few years.

The Caterpillar C18 ACERT Marine Diesel Engine with new 930 mhp Rating

The Caterpillar C18 ACERT Marine Diesel Engine with new 930 mhp Rating

According to David Shannon, Pleasure Craft Sales Manager for Caterpillar Marine Power Systems, “We are pleased to extend the power ratings of the C18 ACERT engine series, as this has historically been one of the most popular and highest performing Cat marine engines.  This new product comes directly from our discussions with global pleasure craft customers to better understand their key requirements.  Especially for customers in the cruising market, the 930 mhp rating will provide impressive acceleration from the excellent engine torque.” 

Backed by more than 80 years of engineering excellence, the C18 ACERT propulsion engine is an inline 6, four-stroke, 18.1-liter diesel engine, which is electronically governed, turbo-charged and after-cooled.  With a smaller, narrower package, customers will notice the improved ease of service with more room between engines compared to the existing engine ratings.  The smaller footprint will also open additional opportunities where hull space prevented the installation of a C18 ACERT engine.

A crucial feature of the new engine rating is the best in class power and torque, which results in faster speeds, better acceleration, and overall class-leading cruising performance.  Data from preliminary tests showed the C18 ACERT engine outpacing the competition for both power and torque curves, which is vital for customers looking to maximize performance capabilities. 

Another important benefit is an improvement in overall fuel economy compared to other engine packages.  In fact, compared to the existing C18 ACERT ratings like the 1150 mhp engine, the new 930 mhp rating will increase fuel efficiency upwards of 25%, which will be well received by customers.  Additionally, the C18 ACERT engine will continue to be compliant with all major global emissions regulations, including IMO, EPA Tier 2, and EU 94/25/EC Recreational Craft Directive.

Along with the improvements to performance, power and torque, all Cat C18 ACERT marine engines come with an excellent standard warranty, available for up to ten years after initial purchase of the engine.  In addition to the standard five year warranty, Extended Service Coverage (ESC) can be purchased to extend the overall protection of the engine.  This warranty allows customers to enjoy quality service at any Cat dealer in the industry leading global dealer network. 

“We are pleased that this new engine will continue to be completed and marinized in Greenville, South Carolina, at the Marine Center of Excellence,” notes Shannon. “This includes design, manufacture, and testing from marine engine experts.  Because pleasure craft customers demand maximum engine uptime, this state of the art facility ensures optimal quality and reliability for every engine that comes down the line.”

The 930 mhp rating for the C18 ACERT propulsion engine is currently available with shipments by the autumn and will be distributed through the Cat global dealer network.  Every Cat marine engine is backed by an unrivalled global sales and service network.  More than 2,100 dealer locations across the world offer product support and spare parts when needed. 

More About Caterpillar Marine Power Systems
Caterpillar Marine Power Systems, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, groups all the marketing and service activities for Cat and MaK™ marine engines within Caterpillar Inc. The organisation provides premier power solutions in the medium- and high-speed segments with outputs from 93 to 16,000 kW in main propulsion and 10 to 7,680 kWe in marine generator sets. The sales and service network includes more than 2,100 dealer locations world-wide dedicated to support customers in ocean-going, commercial marine and pleasure craft wherever they are.

More About Caterpillar
For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2009 sales and revenues of $32.396 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, clean diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.