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.

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

  • Application
    Workboat
    Workboat
    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.

    Learn More
  • Application
    Workboat
    Workboat
    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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  • Application
    Workboat
    Workboat
    Speed Range
    900-1000 rpm
    900-1000 rpm
    Emissions
    IMO II
    IMO II

    C280-6

    The Cat® C280 commercial propulsion engine series is engineered for high‑utilization workboat applications where power, durability, and uptime matter most. Delivering up to 23% more power with increased durability, the C280 series combines high power density, proven heavy‑duty build, and long service intervals to help operators move more, pull harder, and stay working longer, day after day, compared to previous C280 models.

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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
Front cover and inside view of a C280 Brochure against a white background
Front cover and inside view of a C280 Brochure against a white background

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.

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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