Marine Team Hits Milestone With 100th Engine Overhaul For U.S. Coast Guard

The Pacific Power Group (PPG) engine overhaul facility in Kent, Washington, reached a  milestone recently with the group’s completion of the 100^th MTU 8v396 engine overhaul  for the U.S. Coast Guard as part of a long-term service contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The MTU 1100 kW engine supports the Coast Guard’s Marine Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boat fleet that plays a critical role in the nation’s safety.

“The PPG Overhaul team continues to demonstrate why we’ve been entrusted to keep this class of Coast Guard boats fit for service,” said Dan Miller, Director of Marine Parts & Service. “I’m so proud of their work.”

Guarding the Country

Each of the 87-foot Coastal Patrol boats is outfitted with AN/SPS-73 surface search radar and two .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns. The ship’s versatility allows the Coast Guard to use it in multiple functions, including protection of ports and waterways, drug interdiction, immigration enforcement, and search and rescue missions.

The twin MTU engines that power each ship allow the vessels to reach a top speed of 26 knots.

Complicated Process

PPG and the Coast Guard have worked closely together to optimize the cost and reliability of the overhauled engines. The engine overhaul requires each engine to be completely disassembled so the components can be cleaned and inspected. Many  of the parts are inspected, non-destructive tested, measured and qualified for determination of re-use. Any part that fails to meet quality standards is either reconditioned or replaced with a new part.

The team has continuously improved the overhaul process in order to provide rapid turnaround and to increase capacities to meet the Coast Guard’s needs.

PPG Preference

PPG was awarded the second exclusive contract for overhauling of the MTU engines powering the Marine Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boat fleet in an open bid process.

PPG has the largest MTU 396 Series factory-trained technician force in North America and a proven track record of handling major engine overhauls at a cost effective and rapid pace.

“The 100^th engine being delivered to the Coast Guard validates the quality of work performed by our team and the subsequent investment we make in supporting our customers and employees,” said Bill Mossey, President of PPG. “We value each one of our customers, but we take special care and pride in working for and servicing the Coast Guard. There  is no doubt that for our marine team, being able to keep these engines and boats mission ready is a very high priority as well as an honor.”