India: Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has been selected to supply the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with seventy-two Cat 3516C marine propulsion engines (2525kW at 1,800RPM) and seventy-two C4.4 auxiliary generator sets (86kW at 1,500RPM) to power 36 Interceptor Boats, which will be built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T) in Mumbai.
The patrol boats will be constructed with an aluminium hull and feature water jet propulsion.
"Globally the demand for power systems applications in patrol boats is on the rise. The 3516C marine engine and C4.4 generator set have demonstrated superior capabilities in patrol boats around the globe, delivering exceptional results when it matters the most," said Kody Chan, Sales Manager, Asia Pacific.
"The proven performance of the Cat engines and generator sets in the defence industry will provide the ICG Interceptor boats with the power and reliability needed to successfully protect the shores of the Indian coastline."
The engines and generator sets will be delivered over the course of three years, with the project scheduled to conclude in late 2013. The L&T ship design centre in Mumbai employs the 3516C engine for much of the design work and finalised the decision to use Cat engines once tank test (scale model testing) was completed.
In recent years, the Indian government has committed to strengthening the resources in the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. In early 2010, L&T won a contract to design and build patrol boats for the ICG. Construction will be completed at L&T shipyards in Hazira and Katupalli.
Cat dealer Gmmco, located in India, will provide product support and customer service to L&T and the Indian Coast Guard. With local Cat dealer product support offered at every port along the Indian coastline, routine maintenance and service assistance will be readily available for the Coast Guard.
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