The largest aluminium private luxury motor yacht in the world, currently being constructed by Oceanfast for golfer Greg Norman, has reached a major milestone with the installation of the first of the two powerful Caterpillar 3516B engines.

The giant engines installed into the 69.5 metre Aussie Rules (the first of the Norman Expedition Yachts) will power the vessel to an array of exotic and remote destinations throughout the world from the Antarctic to the Amazon, providing superior fuel efficiency for lengthy voyages at sea.

The engines, which are the heart of the vessel and provide reliability, power and durability, have been supplied by Caterpillar who were chosen for their worldwide supplier support network.

Delivering a maximum speed of 17 knots, the twin Caterpillar engines and mountings weigh an impressive 11,200kg each and have a total continuous power capability of 2984 kW, the equivalent power discharged by 28 family sedans.

Twin Caterpillar 3516 engines provide Aussie Rules' with 17 knots top speed.

Due to the expeditionary nature of Aussie Rules, the engines are commercially rated for uninterrupted operation and will enable the vessel to travel 8,000 nautical miles at 15.5 knots, carry 220,000 litres of fuel in seven tanks and could almost cruise from the South Pole to the North Pole without refuelling.

Reduced noise and vibration are paramount in the construction of such a world-class luxury motor yacht and have been achieved through the flexible mounting of the engine and drive train. The engines are positioned on highly flexible mounts and connected to the gearboxes via flexible couplings, ensuring a whisper quiet journey through the utilisation of engineering expertise that does not detract from the luxurious fittings and quality of the yachtÍs interior.

In addition to the engines, Caterpillar have supplied the three 215 kW generators and a smaller emergency generator, supplying the yachtÍs electrical power needs. The three generators will be installed in the engine room in early December.