Rambow Cargo Ship on the water
Rambow Cargo Ship on the water

Rambow Shipping Company Engages Caterpillar to Advance Operational and Sustainability Goals

Optimized Shipping Fleet Reduces Fuel Consumption

Kiel, Germany – Caterpillar today announced the successful installation of its Cylinder Bypass Valve (CBV) system in multiple Rambow Shipping Company container ships, powered by MaK engines. Caterpillar and Zeppelin Power Systems closely collaborated to perform the upgrades, supporting the family-owned shipping company’s goals of reducing operational costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The CBV system, available as a retrofit, allows MaK engines to operate in enhanced combinator mode – optimizing propulsion efficiency under varying load conditions and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Founded in 1890, Rambow Shipping Company is a recognized leader in European short-sea shipping services and utilizes multiple MaK engines to power its vessels including the 6 M 43 C, 9 M 43 and 9 M 43 C. The CBV system supports the shipping company’s operational and sustainability goals through delivering fuel economy improvements that help decrease CO2 emissions. Such enhancements complement Rambow Shipping Company’s efforts to lower its carbon allowance.

Rambow cargo ships navigating through a river
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“Retrofitting existing vessels with advanced technologies like the CBV system is an important strategy that allows vessel operators to decrease CO₂ footprint in a practical and scalable way,” said Sven Rosenow, Global Services Director for MaK engines at Caterpillar. “This also helps operators comply with evolving international regulations, including the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) framework.”

“The decision to retrofit our fleet with CBV technology reflects our sustainability commitments and operational excellence ambitions,” said Sven Rambow, Managing Director at Rambow Bereederungs GmbH & Co. KG. “We’ve seen clear benefits in terms of fuel consumption and GHG emissions, and the process was smooth thanks to Zeppelin Power Systems and Caterpillar. Compared to the cost and complexity of investing in building a new vessel, installing the CBV system delivered immediate impact with minimal disruption.”

About Rambow Shipping Company

Rambow Shipping Company is a German family-owned shipping company with a history dating back to 1890, now managed by the fifth generation of the Rambow family. The company focuses on shipping activities and ship management.

More information is available at www.reedereirambow.de/.

About Caterpillar

With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html.