Caterpillar unveils methanol dual-fuel engine

Cat 3500E could be delivered in dual-fuel units for combustion of methanol and diesel, as a pathway for vessel owners to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

This development builds on Caterpillar’s drive to develop methanol-fuelled engines for various vessel types, including tugs, offshore support vessels, passenger vessels and workboats.

It said dual-fuel methanol Cat 3500E engines will provide GHG emissions reductions for customers across a wide range of applications and vessel types, some of which may already be using biofuels such as fatty acid methyl-ester (FAME) or hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

“Today’s energy transition represents a significant opportunity to support customers with solutions that advance sustainable operations,” said Caterpillar Marine vice president Brad Johnson.

“For the past decade, Caterpillar has worked with customers to reduce GHG emissions through biodiesels such as FAME and renewable diesels like HVO, and we are taking the next step to continue offering sustainable solutions for further emissions reductions.”