AN ENGINE UP TO THE TASK
Award-winning ship builder, MetalCraft Marine, was approached by the Port of Corpus Christi to design and construct a robust, high-performance fire vessel. MetalCraft Marine consistently relies on Cat® engines when building new boats due to their dependability, reliability, and seamless integration into vessels. Given MetalCraft Marine’s exceptional experiences with C18 engines, the shipbuilder was confident this Cat engine would withstand the conditions the Port’s vessel would encounter. With this in mind, MetalCraft Marine began crafting a powerful new patrol vessel to meet the Port of Corpus Christi’s exacting standards.
MetalCraft Marine constructed a high-speed fire rescue vessel in Kingston, Ontario, and worked with Cat dealer, Toromont Cat, to install a C18 engine to power it. Toromont Cat has been serving the government sector and many other industries since it was established in 1993. They provide companies with solutions aimed at making their businesses more successful.
MetalCraft Marine and Toromont Cat were confident the C18 engine could provide the abundant power needed to handle rough seas with ease, as it can maintain peak performance without compromise. Its longevity and reliability make it a standout choice for challenging marine conditions.
“Fire vessels play an important role as they are essentially emergency vehicles on the water, and downtime in the field must be minimized as much as possible,” stated Bob Clark, contracts manager at MetalCraft Marine. “Cat engines are known for their long life and reliable performance, providing a dependable solution the Port can trust.”
Time is of the utmost importance when building new vessels, as any delays can create debilitating setbacks. Caterpillar’s standard, off-the-shelf engines can help customers reduce construction time for a smoother and more streamlined experience.
THE POWER TO RESPOND QUICKLY IN ANY CONDITION
The Port of Corpus Christi welcomed the new, state-of-the-art fireboat vessel equipped with cutting-edge detection technology, select firefighting capabilities, and superior navigation capabilities to its fleet. The boat’s four fire pumps are capable of unleashing 15,000 gallons of water per minute while easily achieving 40 knots to slice through unpredictable ocean conditions. This rugged vessel replaced a fire boat that had been used for over a decade but struggled to handle severe weather effectively. The new f ire vessel empowers the Port with enhanced capacity to ensure safety and security in its maritime operations.
“With this new vessel, the Port of Corpus Christi can now confidently navigate harsh waves and wind to protect their community at all times,” said Clark.
