Staying Ahead of Changing Regulations with EU Stage V Type-Approved Power Solutions

The global maritime shipping industry faces evolving compliance requirements worldwide. In the European Union (EU), the EU Stage V emission standard sets increasingly stringent air quality emissions limits for equipment onboard inland waterway vessels.¹ To help such vessel owners and operators keep pace – and stay compliant – with the EU Stage V emission standard, Caterpillar Marine offers practical and innovative solutions that accelerate fuel flexibility and efficient performance for both new and existing vessels.

Expanded Emissions Targets in the EU

In 2020, the European Commission approved policy proposals known as the European Green Deal to help the continent achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.² The proposals were enshrined in the European Climate Law finalized in 2023.³ Under the European Climate Law, the EU committed to reducing net GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, through its “Fit for 55” legislative package.⁴

In addition to the drive for reduction in GHG emissions, all diesel engines installed in new vessels and repowers in EU inland waterway applications since 2021 must also comply with EU Stage V emissions standards, which include the lowest levels of NOx and particulate matter worldwide.⁵

Maritime operators should also understand the impact of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which takes effect January 1, 2025, and promotes using lower-carbon intensity fuels and technologies.⁶ The regulation is set to implement two important requirements. First, it will set limits on the GHG intensity of the energy used by ships above 5,000 gross tonnage at European ports, regardless of their flag. Such limits will increase over time, starting at 2% in 2025 and reaching 80% by 2050. Second, certain ships in major ports will be required to utilize shore power instead of using generators while moored.

Industry groups such as the Sustainable Shipping Initiative⁷ and the Getting to Zero Coalition managed by the Global Maritime Forum⁸, as well as local port authorities, have set their own GHG-emissions reduction and air quality improvement initiatives.

Stage V Solutions Designed for Fuel Flexibility and Efficiency

As climate targets have evolved, so has the maritime industry. Operators can access more cost-effective, reliable solutions to help meet climate-related objectives and adopt new technologies that support regulatory compliance.

For example, engines that support fuel flexibility can help operators displace diesel consumption with lower-carbon intensity options, which produce lower lifecycle GHG emissions than diesel.⁹ These alternative fuels include biodiesel (also known as fatty acid methyl ester or FAME), renewable diesel (also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil or HVO) and green methanol.

Caterpillar Marine provides fully integrated, type-approved Stage V solutions spanning the entire power range for inland shipping.¹⁰ Such engine packages are designed to help maintain high performance while decreasing total cost of ownership (TCO). Using maritime power solutions from a single manufacturer can also simplify maintenance across the life of an asset.

Caterpillar has a long track record of innovations that support fuel flexibility, as all Cat^® engines manufactured after 1990 can use HVO.¹¹ This fuel is also approved for use in the complete portfolio of EU Stage V solutions at any blend level up to 100%. Additionally, plans are underway for Caterpillar Marine to introduce the first set of field demonstrator, dual-fuel 3500E marine engines that can run on methanol in 2026.¹²

As the EU Stage V emissions standards only took effect in 2021, many shipbuilders and vessel owners are still determining the best course. While compact engine rooms in inland waterway vessels can pose unique design challenges during engine installation, experience makes a significant difference. Pon Power, an authorized Cat dealer located in the Netherlands, works with shipyards to equip approximately 20 new vessels each year with Caterpillar Marine EU Stage V technologies.

Staying Ahead of Compliance with the Latest Marine Technologies

Caterpillar Marine’s EU Stage V type-approved packages for new and existing inland waterway vessels provide the requisite performance, reliability and efficiency required to help futureproof fleets. Working with a knowledgeable solutions provider that has expertise in navigating maritime requirements can help reduce complexity and support uptime. By taking a proactive approach to collaborate with shipbuilders and solution providers, maritime operators can enhance operational efficiency and adapt with the evolving requirements using the latest technology innovations powered by Caterpillar Marine.