New MaK engine alcohol-based fuel conversion kits

Photo: Caterpillar

Caterpillar has introduced two new alcohol-based fuel conversion kits for MaK engines. The dual-fuel conversion, for M 43 engines, is engineered to operate on up to 95% methanol or ethanol by volume, lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to 80%. The fuel-blending conversion, for M 20 to VM 43 engines, 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 engines.

Both approaches support vessel owners’ sustainability initiatives and align with 2050 FuelEU Maritime regulations.

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, notes Caterpillar, provides operators important fuel flexibility port to port while maintaining the engines’ inherent ability to run on biofuels.

Given the expense of permanently taking a vessel out of commission or building a new ship, says Caterpillar, the kits provide an economical alternative that enables operators to utilize current assets and meet evolving industry requirements with minimal disruption.

Following installation, says Caterpillar, 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 portfolio of solutions that support the use of lower-carbon intensity fuels.

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