On 23 January 2026, MAN Engines reaffirmed its leadership in low-emission marine propulsion by setting new standards under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Commercial Harbour Craft (CHC) regulation. Since early 2024, the company has been the first engine manufacturer to provide certified V12 engines for heavy- and medium-duty applications that fulfill the stringent CARB CHC In-Use Performance Standard — the highest compliance level within the regulation.

The updated CARB CHC regulation, which came into force in 2023, requires commercial harbour craft operating in California to significantly reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Only engines equipped and factory-certified with diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems qualify. MAN Engines addresses this requirement with a fully integrated DPF+SCR exhaust aftertreatment solution, ensuring optimal coordination between engine and emissions system for maximum efficiency and operational reliability.

The certified portfolio is based on proven EPA Tier 4 platforms and includes multiple performance variants of the MAN D2862 engine family. Available configurations include:

D2862 LE44A – 735 kW (1,000 hp) for heavy-duty applications

D2862 LE43B – 882 kW (1,200 hp) for medium-duty applications

D2862 LE48B – 1,066 kW (1,450 hp) for medium-duty applications

Since the beginning of 2026, MAN Engines has expanded the CARB-CHC-verified range with the new MAN D3872 LE437, delivering 919 kW (1,250 hp) for heavy-duty applications. With a displacement of 30 litres and a modular, compact DPF+SCR system, the D3872 opens new possibilities for high-performance vessels requiring both power and compliance.

Emission performance figures are particularly impressive. Engines certified to the CARB CHC In-Use Performance Standard achieve particulate matter levels of just 0.0067 g/kWh — significantly below the limits set by international regulations such as EPA Tier 4 and EU Stage V. At the same time, nitrogen oxide emissions remain consistently low at 1.8 g/kWh across all certified variants, demonstrating the efficiency of the integrated aftertreatment technology.

The rapid market adoption of these engines underscores their relevance. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the ferries “KARL” and “ZALOPHUS,” operated by SF Bay Ferry and built by Mavrik Marine, are powered by four D2862 LE48B engines each, meeting CARB CHC standards and setting new benchmarks for sustainable ferry operations.

The research vessel “NORTH WIND,” built by All American Marine for California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt, operates with twin D2862 LE43B engines and is already in service. Meanwhile, the passenger vessel “EL ESCUDO,” operated by Harbor Breeze Cruises, will soon enter service as a whale-watching and dinner cruise vessel powered by twin D2862 LE43B units.

According to CARB, the revised CHC regulation is expected to reduce diesel soot particles by 89 percent and nitrogen oxides by 52 percent by 2035. The regulation applies to ferries, research vessels, commercial fishing boats and various other harbour craft.

With decades of expertise in SCR and DPF technologies — proven across trucks, buses, agricultural machinery and marine applications worldwide — MAN Engines demonstrates that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand. Through its CARB-CHC-certified portfolio, the company is not only meeting regulatory demands but actively shaping the future of clean maritime propulsion in one of the world’s most environmentally progressive markets.