Nichols-built aquaculture vessel will feature Cat battery hybrid propulsion

Caterpillar Marine reports that it has entered into an agreement with California-based Pacific6 Enterprises to pilot a parallel battery hybrid propulsion system for a first-of-its kind aquaculture farming vessel. Designed by Kirk Mullen at Oceantech Ltd., a South Island, New Zealand-based naval architecture firm, the aquaculture vessel will be constructed at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Wash. Caterpillar Marine dealer N C Power Systems (Seattle, Wash.) will sell and oversee installation and commissioning of the new hybrid equipment. Powered by a Cat C18 engine and battery hybrid solution, the next-generation hybrid boat will use proven electrical components and power electronics from Caterpillar’s construction and mining product lines.