Caterpillar Marine’s 3516E methanol-ready engine went on display at the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans this month, marking the power system provider’s latest effort toward decarbonizing the maritime sector.
Days earlier on Nov. 8, Caterpillar received a DNV Approval in Principle of methanol-ready 3500E marine main and auxiliary engines. The DNV approval and class notation validate the company’s methanol-ready dual-fuel engine solution.
Cat 3500E engines are available in 12-cylinder (up to 1901 kW) and 16-cylinder (up to 2525 kW) configurations. Caterpillar Marine will provide update kits for the 3500E in addition to offering new methanol-burning engines to satisfy the timing and requirements of any project.
“Cat 3500E methanol-ready engines will have a significant impact across all maritime segments, especially tugs and other vessels that require high-power propulsion for heavy loads,” according to an announcement from the company. “This innovative solution will enable operators to use methanol as a fuel to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from well to wake.”
“The timing of when all this is going to be ready is uncertain,” Watson said at the Caterpillar show booth. “Be ready for it…the pace of adoption and regulatory moves across the globe. The EU is doing requirements as well.”
Th evolution will depend on availability and infrastructure for handling and bunkering methanol. A big step forward is planned for 2026 with the Damen Shipyards Group launching a tug with Caterpillar methanol power.
It’s much more than just a tweak in engine design, and “more of a solution to our customers. We’re not just an engine company,” said Watson.
“Caterpillar Marine is pleased that the DNV review was successful, as it marks an important product development milestone for us,” said Brad Johnson, Caterpillar Marine’s vice president and general manager in the Nov. 8 announcement. “Methanol will play an important role in the maritime industry’s energy transition efforts, and we look forward to providing vessel operators with high-quality methanol solutions.”
In September 2022 Caterpillar announced methanol-readiness for the 3500E-series marine engines, which would be capable of being modified to run as dual-fuel engines in the future. In May 2024, the company announced its plans to deploy its first set of field demonstrator methanol dual-fuel 3500E marine engines with Damen in 2026.
