Caterpillar Introduces Fuel Conversion Solutions for MaK Engines

Innovations Enable Multiple MaK Engines to Operate on Up to 95% Alcohol-Based Fuels or Methanol/Ethanol/Conventional/Biofuel Blend to Support Evolving Regulations

Kiel, Germany – Caterpillar today announced new alcohol-based fuel conversion solutions for MaK engines. The dual-fuel conversion, for M 43 engines, is engineered to operate on up to 95% methanol or ethanol by volume which lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to 80%. The fuel-blending conversion allows operators to blend up to 35% methanol or ethanol with marine diesel oil (MDO), marine gas oil or biofuel equivalents to deliver GHG emissions reductions up to 20% for M 20 to VM 43 engines1. Both approaches support vessel owners’ sustainability initiatives and align with 2050 FuelEU Maritime Regulations2.

Existing M 32 and M 43 engines are transformed into methanol and ethanol dual-fuel capable systems by the dual fuel conversion’s high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology. The fuel-blending solution is specifically engineered for diesel M 20 to VM 43 engines. This allows operators to seamlessly transition between methanol or ethanol and diesel, providing flexibility to support annual fleet-wide sustainability objectives. It also provides operators important fuel flexibility port to port while maintaining the engines’ inherent ability to run on biofuels.

M43 Methanol Engine
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Given the expense of permanently taking a vessel out of commission or building a new ship, the kits represent an economical alternative that enables operators to utilize current assets and meet evolving industry requirements with minimal disruption. Following installation, engine performance and maintenance intervals remain consistent to support ease of ownership.

“We’re leveraging our expertise with methanol and ethanol across marine applications to empower MaK engine owners to continue operating the systems they trust while keeping pace with FuelEU Maritime requirements,” said Sven Rosenow, global services director for MaK at Caterpillar. “Our alcohol-based fuel conversion kits help existing cruise, container, ferry and passenger ships to remain in service while reducing potential costs associated with IMO guidelines.”

The alcohol-based fuel conversion solutions are the latest addition to Caterpillar’s expansive portfolio that supports the use of lower-carbon intensity fuels. 

 

1 Based on original carbon intensity of the fuel; tailpipe emissions are the same as with fossil fuels.
2 European Maritime Safety Agency. FuelEU Maritime: Full Application 1 January 2025. https://www.emsa.europa.eu/newsroom/latest-news/item/5385-fueleu-maritime-full-application-1-january-2025.html.

 

About MaK

MaK™ is the legacy brand in the medium-speed engine business and strives for leadership in its services and support. As a Caterpillar brand with almost 80 years of engineering legacy, we specialize in medium-speed marine engines and empower vessels with OEM parts, certified services, and lifetime engine support that never cuts corners. We don't follow industry standards. We've set them. And we are committed to standing behind every engine we've ever made.

About Caterpillar

For more than a century, Caterpillar Inc. has helped build a better, more sustainable world. With 2025 sales and revenues of $67.6 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is shaping the future as the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Backed by one of the largest independent global dealer networks and financial services through Cat Financial, the company’s primary business segments: Power & Energy, Construction Industries and Resource Industries are solving customer’s toughest challenges through commercial excellence and advanced technology, driven by a highly skilled, dedicated global team. Learn more at www.caterpillar.com.