Caterpillar Repowers Army Corps’ Dredge Wheeler (USA)

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has announced the successful repower and commissioning of the Dredge Wheeler with a fully integrated Cat® solution.

The largest hopper dredge in the Corps of Engineers fleet, the Dredge Wheeler features 2x Cat C280-16 marine engines rated at 4600 bkW @ 900 rpm for propulsion. Additionally the vessel features 2x Cat 280-12 propulsion engines rated at 3700 bkW @ 1000 rpm to operate the variable speed dredge generators. The Wheeler is based out of the New Orleans District and primarily operates in the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River and has been in operation since 1982.

“The Army Corps of Engineers has been a long-standing Caterpillar customer and we’re pleased to continue to build on our strong track record,” Tim Booth, Caterpillar Defense and Federal Products Marine Program Manager said. “In addition to providing a fully integrated package with components at a great value, we were also able to offer installation support and technical design services during the planning and installation stages of the repower.”

Manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana, Cat C280 engines incorporate 30 years of proven component reliability and durability from the legendary Cat 3600 platform series with a sophisticated, yet well-proven, modern electronic fuel injection system. Cat C280 marine engines are available in continuous and maximum continuous ratings at 900 and 1000 rpm and in 6, 8, 12, and 16 cylinder configurations.

The advanced ADEM™ A3 electronic control system enables the C280 engines to work smarter and harder. The rugged and durable C280 engines provide customers with low owning and operating costs, with overhaul intervals running as long as 40,000 hours.

“A key deliverable of the C280 engines is the efficiency and maintenance cost savings they provide the Wheeler as an EPA Tier 2 compliant power solution in an ideal power node,” Booth noted.

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Press Release, October 9, 2013