Cat methanol-ready engines selected for Olympic Subsea CSV newbuilds

Two subsea construction support vessels (CSVs) being built for Olympic Subsea in China will have Caterpillar Marine methanol-ready engines supplied by Pon Power.

Pon Power, the sole distributor for Cat power solutions in Norway, has been contracted to supply two four-stroke, high-speed Cat 3516E and three Cat 3512E variable speed generator sets to China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard in Shenzhen for the newbuildings.

Based on UT7623 SEV (sustainable energy vessel) designs from Kongsberg Maritime, these CSVs will be the “world’s most energy-efficient vessels,” said the majority owner, president and chief executive of the Norwegian OSV company, Stig Remøy, when discussing the newbuilds.

The engine distributor said the variable speed generator sets will underpin that ambition by reducing fuel consumption, lowering noise levels, extending intervals between overhauls, increasing generator lifespan, and generally lowering operating costs.

Pon Power said the Cat engine package was “chosen in direct collaboration with Olympic to provide maximum flexibility and the best possible fuel economy. The engines are also ready for future conversion to new fuels such as methanol to further reduce the carbon footprint of the vessel’s operation.”

As has been the case in other recent newbuild orders, these CSVs will serve both offshore renewable and oil and gas sectors, maximising their potential utilisation and service life. They will be delivered in mid-2027.