American Commercial Lines (ACL) select Cat® C280 marine engines for repowering six of their towboats.
The first vessels being repowered are the MV J. Russel Flowers and the MV Thurston B. Morton. Cat dealer Whayne Power Systems is assisting with the repower project. Chris Coots, vice president and general manager, Whayne Power Systems, commented, “We have established a very good relationship with ACL over the years and are excited about the opportunity to continue our business partnership with these repowers.”
ACL has been operating three of its higher horsepower towboats since 1998 powered with Cat 3612 engines. The Cat 3612 engine, the predecessor to the C280, has proven to be reliable and durable. After 21 years of operating with the Cat 3612 marine engines, ACL’s MV Carol P. received the first major overhaul recently in Paducah with the support of Whayne Power Systems. Following the overhaul and refurbishment, the MV Carol P was renamed and dedicated as the MV Dan Jaworski. The renamed vessel represents ACL's new standards for performance, high operational efficiency and reliability.
Built upon the 3600 engine platform, the C280 continues to distinguish this high operational efficiency and reliability standard. The C280 meets EPA Marine Tier 2 emissions regulations, features Electronic Unit Injectors (EUI), high power output, highly efficient brake specific fuel consumption, ease of serviceability, long overhaul intervals, extensive field population with proven capabilities, and Caterpillar’s dealer support network, making it one of the best-suited marine engines for America’s waterways.
Bill Foster, ACL vice president Boat Maintenance, commented, "We are making significant investments in our fleet to improve reliability and performance. We selected the Cat C280's to help us achieve these goals."