Types of Vessels That Use a Category I Marine Engine

Marine engines are divided into three main categories based on their cylinder displacement. Categories I and II are further divided into tiers one to four depending on the engine's displacement and kilowatts of power. Category I marine engines include engines with a displacement per cylinder of 5 to 7 liters and horsepower ranging from 500 to 8,000 kilowatts of power, the equivalent of 700 to 11,000 horsepower. Category I marine engines can be found in a variety of vessels. They are also used as generators of emergency or auxiliary electrical power in many ships or boats.

Tugboats

Tugboats are boats used to push or tow vessels that either cannot move for themselves, like oil platforms, or larger ships that have difficulty maneuvering, such as cruise liners in a busy port. Tugboats typically have strong v-shaped hulls, small tonnage and category I marine engines, all of which, are designed specifically for towing heavier and larger vessels.

Supply Vessels

Supply vessels are used to carry stock and stores from the shore to larger vessels, such as cruise liners, drilling rigs and platforms.

Fishing Vessels

Fishing boats are generally powered by category I engines, although engine sizes can vary widely from one fishing boat to another. Engine size will vary depending on the size of the craft, fishing area and the type of fishing it specializes in.

Towboats

Towboats, are used to push barges and car floats. They use category I engines that range in size from 600 to 10,500 horsepower engines. They have a square bow, steel knees and powerful engines designed to push lines of barges along shallow waterways.