In his presentation, Caterpillar's marine sales manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Jaime Tetrault, said the unit has a footprint approximately 5% bigger and is only 1% heavier, than the in-line 6 cylinder, 811 mhp (597 bkW) Cat 3406E engine, yet delivers over 25% more power.

Power density is 2.12 kg/kW (3.53. lb/bhp) and the overall package features higher power availability in the 1200 to 2000 rpm range and at cruising speed than is available from competitive 1000 horsepower engines, said Tetrault.

He added the twin turbocharger arrangement delivers considerably better acceleration curves than comparable marine engines currently available.

The engine is a completely new core engine design, rather than an update to an existing model. It has a larger (145mm) bore and (183mm) stroke than the 3406E but, at 1510kg, weighs only 2kg more.

It has a new crankshaft design, new cylinder liners and seals, a one-piece steel piston and longer connecting rod, a new faster cam shaft system, copper/lead main and rod bearings, high flow (E-Trim) injectors and, says the company, the most precise, capable and revolutionary electronic control system (ADEM III) that Caterpillar has ever produced.

According to Tetrault, the ECM unit makes the engine "future proof", with its capability for instant upgrading.

The unit will be available in Europe from October.

Finning UK Tel: 01395 232007 Fax: 01395 233600 Web: www.finning.co.uk E-mail: powersystems@finning.co.uk