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Transportation company Harley Marine Services has selected Caterpillar Marine Tier 4 Final engines for its new line haul vessel, the Earl W. Redd, which is to operate along the west coast of the United States.

In a statement, Caterpillar Marine said: "When Harley Marine decided to build a new line haul boat, the Earl W. Redd, for towing up and down the U.S. Pacific Coast, the company wanted a proven power platform that would address the changing emissions requirements. Over the years, Harley Marine had successfully operated various line haul tugs powered by Cat 3500 Tier 1 and Tier 2 propulsion engines. Cat dealer Peterson Power suggested two 3516E engines - a flexible power solution that addressed both Harley Marine's need for power and the upcoming Tier 4 regulations."

To meet the more stringent Tier 4 Final emissions standards, due to become effective in 2016, each of the two continuous duty 3516E engines - individually rated with a 10% horsepower (hp) increase of 2682 hp at 1600 revolutions per minute (rpm) - is paired with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system. SCR uses a urea-based solution to reduce the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) contained in diesel exhaust down to nitrogen and water vapour.

"They have a reputation for being very sustainable and forward-looking," commented Brent Nelson, a Caterpillar Marine territory sales manager who works closely with Harley Marine. "They want to run a clean, green fleet, and they're setting a precedent by being the first to power a vessel with these engines."

Recognized in the maritime industry for being a leader in environmental stewardship, commitment and initiative, Harley Marine has received various national and regional environmental awards, as well as adherence to the ISO 14001 environmental standard since 2008. The company also uses an environmental management system across all its operational areas.

"Harley Marine should save over $1 million across a 15-year lifecycle on total fluid consumption (diesel plus DEF) costs for this newbuild compared to an equivalent Tier 2 powered vessel. They are able to deliver an increased level of performance due to the higher power rating with increased efficiency," remarked Ryan Darnell of Caterpillar's Large Power Systems division. "That's a direct result of engine fuel efficiency improvements that our SCR technology allows us to make by reducing NOx downstream of the engine combustion process."

Harley Marine has a long-standing relationship with Caterpillar Marine, including parts and service support from dealers across the United States. In addition, Cat Financial has provided construction and ownership financing for multiple Harley Marine vessels, including the Earl W. Redd.

"Harley Marine appreciates that they can get the whole package from one source," Nelson said. "Caterpillar Marine is able to bring together multiple parties to make sure the design and installation is exactly what they need."

The Caterpillar Marine engines are scheduled to be delivered in April 2016, with vessel construction complete in October.