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Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has announced the development of the MaK M 46 DF [pictured], a new dual fuel engine platform for the commercial marine industry.

The M 46 DF dual fuel engine boasts a power rating of 900 kW per cylinder at 500 and 514 rpm in diesel and gas modes, and is available in an in-line or vee configuration. The engine is currently being tested at Caterpillar’s medium-speed engine facility in Rostock, Germany. First engine deliveries are foreseen for 2014.

"We’re pleased to introduce this reliable, safe and efficient propulsion engine for the commercial marine market," said Bob Hallengren, Caterpillar Marine Power Systems product manager. "Our customers want a fuel-efficient, sustainable propulsion product with operational flexibility for both IMO and EPA regulated waters and we’re aiming to exceed their expectations with the M 46 DF engine."

Able to alternate from gas to diesel mode during operation, the M 46 DF offers the flexibility to operate vessels in all geographical areas, whether the fuel in use is gas, marine diesel oil (MDO) or heavy fuel oil (HFO).

In gas mode, the M 46 DF features industry-leading fuel consumption and will comply with IMO III as well as EPA Tier 4 regulations. The engine has been designed to allow retrofitting of current M 43 C engines.

"It was important for us that M 46 DF and M 43 C share the same footprint features, and the same system interfaces. The M 46 DF was designed to provide operators with industry-leading thermal efficiency for lowest total cost of operation," said Detlef Kirste, MaK product definition manager.

"The engine offers optimized load response and load stability in addition to numerous support features, such as remote monitoring and engine system diagnostics, helping engine operators with their daily service and maintenance work. Our target was to keep the typical MaK marine engine attributes like reliability, safety and efficiency while striving for an engine design that is easy to service and maintain," added Kirste.

With a bore of 460 millimeters and stroke of 610, the engine was designed for electric drive propulsion systems as well as mechanical propulsion systems. Although designed for unlimited operation on LNG, marine diesel oil and heavy fuel oil, the M 46 DF is said to operate most efficiently in gas mode.

Caterpillar will also offer service and support for the new MaK dual fuel engine, including installation and application, system integration support, as well as customer and crew training. The M 46 DF will be manufactured in Rostock, Germany and distributed and sold through Caterpillar’s MaK dealer network.