Cummins Inc. announced today that it has received Approval in Principle (AIP) from classification society DNV for its methanol-ready QSK60 marine engine. The certification, granted in June 2024, applies to the IMO II and IMO III versions of the engine, which range from 2,000 to 2,700 hp.
Cummins plans to release retrofit kits for the QSK60 after 2028, aligning with market demand and the development of supporting fuel infrastructure, the company said. Cummins noted these kits will be particularly suited for diesel-electric systems that integrate with battery technology to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
The company states the initiative is part of its broader effort to provide lower-carbon solutions for existing marine power installations. Dawn Wehr, Cummins’ Executive Director of Strategy, Product Planning & Digital, noted that retrofitting engines rather than overhauling entire vessels allows operators to reduce carbon emissions more quickly. According to Wehr, Cummins is also exploring solutions for other alcohol-based fuels, such as ethanol, to ensure adaptability across different operational needs and fuel availability.
This announcement follows Cummins’ August 2023 approval for the use of renewable diesel, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), in all of its high-horsepower engines. By integrating HVO with methanol dual-fuel technology, the company said it aims to help customers transition toward lower emissions while working toward a long-term goal of zero-carbon power solutions.
Cummins said the methanol-ready QSK60 is one of several steps the company is taking to address evolving emissions regulations and decarbonization goals in the marine sector.
