Caterpillar Receives Approval in Principle for MaK™ Dual-Fuel Conversion 

Milestone Expands Lower Carbon-Intensity Fuel Options to Support Evolving Regulations

KIEL, GERMANY and HOUSTON, TEXAS – Caterpillar today announced receipt of approval in principle (AiP) from DNV for its fuel-blending conversion solution for MaK™ engines, aligning with a fuel-blending conversion pilot project conducted at a testing facility that allows M 20 to M 43 and legacy engines to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to 20%. In tandem, Caterpillar will debut its dual-fuel conversion option at 2026 Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology (SMM) September 1 – 4, 2026 in Hamburg, Germany in booth 305, Hall A4. The dual-fuel conversion enables M 32 and M 43 engines to operate on up to 95% methanol or ethanol by volume which lowers GHG emissions up to 80% based on original carbon intensity of the fuel; tailpipe emissions are the same as with fossil fuels.

Enacted last year, 2050 FuelEU Maritime Regulations1 advance the industry’s GHG emissions reduction ambitions – and operators’ interest in pragmatic pathways to modernize trusted existing assets. Given operators’ substantial investments in current fleets as well as the high cost of newbuild vessels, converting existing ships to operate on lower carbon-intensity fuels enables established vessels to remain in service for decades while aligning with industry requirements. This strategic approach also provides fuel flexibility port to port, ensuring the engines’ inherent ability to run on alcohol-based fuels.

Caterpillar Marine will also showcase dedicated energy room configurations for biofuels, hybrid and electric power systems at SMM. Such insights offer operators methodical frameworks for consideration to optimize costs, efficiency and fleetwide GHG emissions levels.

 

MaK engine undergoing testing in a controlled engine test facility with monitoring and support equipment.
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Technician inspecting valve train components on a large MaK engine cylinder head during maintenance or service training.
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“Our extensive dual fuel expertise, advanced diagnostics, digital solutions and global service capabilities empower operators to meet evolving industry requirements in practical ways that help curb OpEx and preserve capital,” commented Andy Law, vice president of Caterpillar Marine. “We’re collaborating with operators worldwide to help them thrive as the industry shifts.”

“Keeping pace with FuelEU Maritime requirements is essential to not only ensure vessels remain on the water but also to avoid significant financial penalties,” said Sven Rosenow, global services director for MaK at Caterpillar. “Our fuel conversion solutions give operators options and enable them to modernize their fleets in ways that are ideal for their unique operations.”

“We’re helping operators position their fleets for 2050 and beyond,” explained Will Watson, global product director at Caterpillar Marine. “We’re creating customized roadmaps for each operator that optimizes for the nuances, application and true operational profile of each vessel to maximize each operator’s outcome.”

Technician monitoring operational data and MaK engine performance through advanced digital control and monitoring systems.
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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.

More information is available at: www.mak-global.com.
 

About Caterpillar Marine

Caterpillar Marine, with headquarters in Houston, Texas, offers premium power solutions for a wide range of marine applications. With decades of experience designing engines and aftertreatment solutions, Caterpillar Marine products set the standard for quality, performance, and reliability. Caterpillar Marine is dedicated to being your service provider on the water to provide engine and operational success. The global sales and service network is ready to support customers in tug, offshore, inland waterways, fishing, governmental, dredge, ferry, and yachting wherever they are.

More information is available at: www.cat.com/marine. 
 

About Caterpillar

For more than a century, Caterpillar has built 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.

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