BLOG: MARINE INSIGHT

[#1]

Offshore production and exploration, and associated dredging and port operations, have led to a steady increase in vessel operations in emerging markets - Brazil, West Africa, etc. Many emerging markets also have limited dry-dock facilities and engineering expertise. Coupled with security concerns and an increasingly smaller pool of qualified marine personnel, it can create a challenge for offshore operators.

Also, deepwater and ultra deepwater finds in 2009 represented nearly half of all offshore discoveries – a trend that is likely to continue. This drives the industry toward larger, more sophisticated vessels and propulsion systems that need to operate in less developed areas. Emissions regulations and customer performance requirements are also pushing engine and systems providers toward electronic engines and other new technologies. All of this compounds vessel complexity and reduces the crew’s ability to maintain and service the onboard engines and machinery.

The factors above can all increase downtime when a failure occurs. Does your fleet or vessel operate in these regions?

As an engine and generator set manufacturer, we support our dealer network in their pursuit of customer satisfaction before, during, and after the sale. Our structure includes many benefits that address the concerns above:

1.       Location - the vast majority of Caterpillar dealers have decades of experience working in these challenging regions.

2.       Expertise - they focus on Caterpillar products and have the tooling and capability to support them.

3.       Parts Availability - Cat dealers have direct support from the factory and carry significant parts inventory to meet to your needs.

4.       Customer Focus - Customer Support Agreements and other customized plans can be created with our dealers to ensure uptime and control operating cost.

As a Chief Engineer, Superintendent, Operations Manager, or Purchasing Manager, what do you look for in a business partner for the supply of parts and service?  What criteria do you use when selecting a parts and service provider in emerging markets?

[#2]

Hello there

 I Have a Cat Gen set  Model # 3412. serial # 81Z22048. arrangement #9-Y1476. PERF SPEC 2T-9986 this engine was used on supply power with 440V 3 phase 50 HZ. i m going to change this engine to 400V  3Phase 50Hz , i would like to know the fuel consuption rate and  reduction of power when engine derated from 1800RPM to 1500RPM

hoping to hear from you soon,