The words The Confidence Every Mission Requires above a Cat engine with gray waves around it
The words The Confidence Every Mission Requires above a Cat engine with gray waves around it

Tougher Than Ever With
The Cat® C280 Engine Range

The lifeblood of your naval vessel is an advanced engine, and the Cat® C280 delivers with a lighter, more power dense and time-tested technology*. It’s a beacon of reliability and innovation that can withstand the test of countless scenarios.

Contact Your Dealer
Contact Your Dealer

Questions? We have answers. Reach out and find the right marine power solution for your mission.

Performance Without Compromise

Every move is calculated on the water. That’s why the C280 engine for naval applications stands as a testament to unparalleled performance*. With this engine’s remarkable horsepower to propel your vessels through multiple scenarios, you’ll gain excellent reliability in strenuous and unpredictable conditions. The C280 surpasses current military standards in both power and reliability so your crew can navigate with confidence.

Cat machinery with the word Powerful next to it
Cat machinery with the word Powerful next to it

Protect the Crew

In the heat of combat, people’s safety is non-negotiable. The C280 goes beyond the required, providing cutting-edge safety features to ensure maximum survivability of the vessel—and its passengers. You can be sure the C280 will provide trustworthy performance in the most challenging deployments.

 

Cat machinery with the word Trustworthy next to it
Cat machinery with the word Trustworthy next to it

Standards Are Made To Be Exceeded

There's no room for compromise when lives are on the line. The C280 is known to be in compliance with military standards for performance and reliability. Its compact dimensions and power/weight make the 8MW the suitable match to power combat vessels.

Cat machinery with the word Innovative above it
Cat machinery with the word Innovative above it

A Legacy of Reliability

The dependability of the C280 is not only a promise, but a standard built through countless hours of testing and refinement. This pairs with its proven track record for unwavering dependability in the face of combat. Years of service and detailed testing underscore the reliability of the C280 engine for naval applications.

Cat machinery with the word Tested next to it
Cat machinery with the word Tested next to it

Tour the C280 Marine Engine

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The Engine To Match Your Mission

  • Power Range
    6169-8046 bhp (4600-6000 bkW)
    6169-8046 bhp (4600-6000 bkW)
    Speed Range
    900-1000 rpm
    900-1000 rpm
    Emissions
    IMO II
    IMO II

    C280-16

    Building on the durability and reliability of the C280 engine platform, Caterpillar is pleased to offer the C280-16 engine line, now up to 6000 bkW. The core components are the same as the existing C280, including the latest in EUI fuel system capabilities and state-of-the-art ADEM™ A3 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) features. Caterpillar® products continue to deliver more available power while delivering outstanding fuel efficiency. You can also count on long maintenance intervals and worldwide Caterpillar parts and service availability.

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  • Power Range
    3084-4023 bhp (2300-3000 bkW)
    3084-4023 bhp (2300-3000 bkW)
    Speed Range
    900 - 1000 rpm
    900 - 1000 rpm
    Emissions
    IMO II, IMO III/EPA Tier 4
    IMO II, IMO III/EPA Tier 4

    C280-8

    Building on the durability and reliability of the C280 engine platform, Caterpillar is pleased to offer the C280-8 engine line. The core components are the same as the existing C280, including the latest in EUI fuel system capabilities and state-of-the-art ADEM™ A3 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) features. Caterpillar® products continue to deliver more available power while delivering outstanding fuel efficiency. You can also count on long maintenance intervals and worldwide Caterpillar parts and service availability. All C280-8 engines ratings are IMO II compliant. Engines rated at 2460 bkW and 2710 bkW, with aftertreatment, are IMO III/EPA Tier 4 compliant.

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  • Power Range
    2320-2722 bhp (1730-2030 bkW)
    2320-2722 bhp (1730-2030 bkW)
    Speed Range
    900-1000 rpm
    900-1000 rpm
    Emissions
    IMO II
    IMO II

    C280-6

    Building on the durability and reliability of the C280 engine platform, Caterpillar is pleased to offer the IMO II C280 engine line. The core components are the same as the existing C280, including the latest in EUI fuel system capabilities and state-of-the-art ADEM™ A3 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) features. Caterpillar® products continue to deliver more available power while delivering outstanding fuel efficiency. You can also count on long maintenance intervals and worldwide Caterpillar parts and service availability.

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Front cover and inside view of a C280 Brochure against a white background
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High Performance. Excellent Stats.

 

Bragging means nothing if it’s not backed by real performance. Check out the numbers, and see why the C280 leads the fleet*.

Download Spec Sheet

Cat 3516E Marine Propulsion Engine against a drawing of a nautical map and a gray background
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Near-Shore Propulsion

 

With its smaller footprint and reduced weight*, the Cat® 3516E Marine Propulsion Engine delivers 19% more power and quicker acceleration* to dominate near-shore operations.

See Your Engine

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Dedicated Support

 

You can rely on Caterpillar’s robust services portfolio and global network of Cat dealers to keep your engine running at peak performance throughout its life.

More Information

Front cover of Govermental and Defense Solutions guide
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Governmental Marine Power
Solutions Guide

 

Experience maximized mission readiness and uptime with platform-tailored solutions the military's marine units have relied on for decades.

Find Your Solution

C280 Engine Upgrades

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Meet Today’s Challenges

 

Emission retrofits are available for C280 marine engines. Upgrade to an EPA Tier 4- or IMO III-compliant configuration with Cat certified rebuilds.

See Upgrades

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Upgrade Support Program

 

The new C280 boosts fleet capabilities through reduced emissions, increased power density and the reliability that comes with 90 years of industry experience.

Learn More

Aftermarket Support

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Genuine Cat Parts

 

Accept no substitutes. Maximize combat readiness with replacement parts designed specifically for your Cat marine engine.

Find Parts

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Shop Parts

 

With 70 distribution centers in 24 countries on six continents, Caterpillar makes it easy to get the essential parts when you need them.

Shop Now

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Engine Maintenance Kits

 

Maximize preparedness and minimize unexpected downtime with Cat Planned Maintenance Kits for your marine engine.

See Options

Connect With The Experts

Our marine propulsion experts will match the right engine to your needs.

Get Connected
Naval ship in rough waters
Naval ship in rough waters

*compared to previous models