Marine Diesel Engine Competition for Commercial Fishing Boats Since 1940

For commercial fishing vessels, the engine is the beating heart of the operation. Whether fishing the icy waters of the North Atlantic or the warm seas off the coast of Central America, commercial fishing boats rely on diesel engines to power them through long days at sea, pulling heavy loads of fish, and navigating unpredictable weather conditions. For decades, Detroit Diesel, Cummins, and Caterpillar have fiercely competed in this arena, offering marine engines specifically designed to handle the rigors of commercial fishing in different regions of the world.

In this article, we explore the timeline of engine competition between these three giants, highlighting the key engines that have defined each era, the vessel types they’ve powered, and how these engines have transformed the global commercial fishing industry from Alaskan trawlers to South Pacific tuna fleets.

1940s to 1960s: Detroit Diesel Dominates the Early Days

Detroit Diesel vs. Cummins

Detroit Diesel 6-71 vs. Cummins H Series

Vessel Types and Fishing Regions:

• Small to Medium-Sized Trawlers in the North Atlantic and Great Lakes
• Drift Net Boats off the West Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico
• Crab Boats in the Bering Sea
• Detroit Diesel 6-71 (1938)
  Applications: Small to medium trawlers, drift net boats, and crab boats
  Key Features: The 6-71 became a household name in the fishing world. Its reliable two-stroke design offered both power and durability in challenging conditions. The 6-71 became especially popular in the North Atlantic and Bering Sea, where small-to-medium fishing vessels braved tough conditions to bring in catches of cod, haddock, and crab. In Great Lakes trawlers, it was also used for freshwater fishing fleets targeting species like walleye and whitefish.
• Cummins H Series (1931)
  Applications: Small coastal fishing boats
  Key Features: The H Series wasn’t quite as dominant in the U.S. but gained traction among smaller coastal vessels operating off the Gulf of Mexico and West Coast. It was particularly known for its fuel efficiency and low-maintenance costs, making it a preferred option for fishing operators with small boats who wanted a more economical engine.

Competition Summary: In the early days, Detroit Diesel’s 6-71 outperformed its competition in the U.S., becoming the engine of choice for many types of vessels across both saltwater and freshwater fisheries. However, Cummins’ H Series made its mark on smaller vessels, especially in less industrialized fishing regions.

1960s to 1980s: Caterpillar Enters the Fray

Detroit Diesel vs. Caterpillar vs. Cummins

Detroit Diesel 8V71 vs. Caterpillar 3406 vs. Cummins NT Series

Vessel Types and Fishing Regions:

• Large Trawlers and Longliners in Alaska, Greenland, and the North Atlantic
• Purse Seiners in the Mediterranean and South Pacific
• Shrimp Trawlers in the Gulf of Mexico
• Detroit Diesel 8V71 (1960s)
  Applications: Large trawlers, longliners, shrimp boats
  Key Features: The 8V71 became a standard in large trawlers operating in cold and harsh environments like Alaska and Greenland, as well as for longliners targeting large species like tuna and swordfish in the North Atlantic. Its two-stroke design provided consistent power for long-haul trips, even with large loads of fish on board. In the Gulf of Mexico, it found use in the shrimp trawling industry, powering boats that dragged heavy nets across the ocean floor to capture the valuable crustaceans.
• Caterpillar 3406 (1973)
  Applications: Large trawlers, purse seiners, and longliners
  Key Features: The Caterpillar 3406 made an impact in regions like the Mediterranean and South Pacific, where purse seiners used the engine’s high torque to encircle schools of fish such as tuna, sardines, and anchovies. This four-stroke engine was more fuel-efficient than the two-stroke Detroit Diesel, which helped make it popular for long trips in the South Pacific. It also began to appear in trawlers and longliners operating off the coast of Alaska and Greenland, where its rugged design could withstand harsh conditions.
• Cummins NT Series (1961)
  Applications: Medium fishing boats, trawlers, and seiners
  Key Features: The NT Series was Cummins’ answer to the growing demand for efficient marine engines. Known for its reliability and fuel economy, it was a strong contender in regions like the Bering Sea and North Pacific, where vessels targeted pollock, cod, and halibut. It also found a home in tuna seiners operating in the Pacific.

Competition Summary: The 1970s saw a fierce battle in the commercial fishing market. Detroit Diesel’s 8V71 continued its dominance in large North Atlantic vessels, but Caterpillar’s 3406 began gaining ground in international markets, especially for purse seiners in the Mediterranean and South Pacific. Cummins’ NT Series found its niche in trawlers and seiners, prized for its fuel efficiency and reliability.

1990s to 2000s: Environmental Regulations Spark New Competition

Detroit Diesel vs. Caterpillar vs. Cummins

Detroit Diesel Series 60 vs. Caterpillar 3512 vs. Cummins QSK Series

Vessel Types and Fishing Regions:

• Factory Trawlers and Purse Seiners in the North Pacific and Bering Sea
• Crab Boats in Alaska
• Purse Seiners and Tuna Boats in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
• Detroit Diesel Series 60 (1993)
  Applications: Large fishing trawlers, purse seiners, factory ships
  Key Features: With the introduction of electronic fuel injection, the Series 60 set a new standard in fuel efficiency and emissions control. Used in large fishing trawlers in the Bering Sea and North Pacific, the Series 60’s ability to run cleaner and meet new environmental standards helped it remain competitive.
• Caterpillar 3512 (1980s, updated in the 1990s)
  Applications: Factory trawlers, large purse seiners, crab boats
  Key Features: The Caterpillar 3512 powered the world’s largest factory trawlers, including those targeting pollock and cod in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. It also became a key player in the Alaskan crab fleet, where its high horsepower was required to haul large, heavy crab pots during demanding seasons. Additionally, purse seiners targeting tuna in the Indian and Pacific Oceans began using the 3512 for its power and reliability on long journeys.
• Cummins QSK Series (Late 1990s)
  Applications: Large trawlers, factory ships, and tuna seiners
  Key Features: Cummins introduced the QSK Series to compete in the heavy-duty segment, focusing on fuel efficiency and emissions compliance. The QSK engines powered tuna seiners in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, helping these vessels meet stricter environmental regulations without sacrificing performance.

Competition Summary: The competition became more about emissions and efficiency in the 1990s and early 2000s. Detroit Diesel’s Series 60 introduced electronic fuel injection to stay relevant, while Caterpillar’s 3512 cemented its position as the go-to engine for large trawlers and factory ships. Cummins’ QSK Series challenged both brands by focusing on environmentally friendly performance.

2010s to Present: Fuel Efficiency, Emissions, and Global Reach

Caterpillar vs. Cummins

Caterpillar C18 and C32 vs. Cummins QSK and QSB Series

Vessel Types and Fishing Regions:

• Trawlers and Crab Boats in the North Atlantic, Bering Sea, and Southern Ocean
• Tuna Seiners and Longliners in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean
• Shrimp Boats in the Gulf of Mexico
• Caterpillar C18 (2000s)
  Applications: Medium to large trawlers, crab boats, shrimp boats
  Key Features: The C18 is a four-stroke diesel engine known for its fuel efficiency and clean emissions. It is widely used in the Bering Sea crab fleet, as well as shrimp boats in the Gulf of Mexico. The C18 is also popular among trawlers operating in the rough waters of the Southern Ocean, targeting species like Patagonian toothfish and hake.
• Caterpillar C32 (2000s)
  Applications: Large purse seiners and factory ships
  Key Features: The C32 is used for deep-sea fishing in the Indian Ocean and Pacific, powering tuna seiners that require high horsepower to encircle and haul in massive catches. The C32 also powers factory ships in the North Atlantic, offering up to 1,800 HP with low emissions.
• Cummins QSK Series (2010s)
  Applications: Large fishing vessels and factory ships
  Key Features: Cummins’ QSK Series continues to challenge Caterpillar’s dominance by offering advanced fuel management systems that meet modern Tier 4 emissions standards. The QSK engines power large fishing vessels and tuna seiners in regions like the South Pacific, where fuel costs and emissions compliance are top priorities.
• Cummins QSB Series (2000s)
  Applications: Small to medium fishing boats
  Key Features: The QSB Series powers smaller trawlers and shrimp boats, especially in Gulf Coast waters and the Mediterranean, offering a compact, efficient solution for operators needing to balance performance and environmental concerns.

Competition Summary: The Caterpillar C18 and C32 continue to dominate large trawlers, factory ships, and deep-sea fishing vessels. However, Cummins’ QSK and QSB Series engines offer strong competition by focusing on fuel efficiency, especially in smaller trawlers and seiners in regions where fuel costs are high.

Conclusion

The ongoing competition between Detroit Diesel, Cummins, and Caterpillar in the commercial fishing industry has revolutionized marine diesel engine technology. Whether it’s powering shrimp boats in the Gulf of Mexico, purse seiners in the Pacific, or trawlers in the North Atlantic, these brands have developed engines that meet the evolving needs of the industry: power, fuel efficiency, durability, and environmental compliance.

For commercial fishing boat operators, choosing between these engines often comes down to factors like fuel economy, maintenance costs, and regulatory compliance. Regardless of your engine choice, Diesel Pro Power provides an extensive range of aftermarket parts to keep your Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, or Cummins engine running smoothly. Visit www.dieselpro.com for everything from rebuild kits to fuel pumps and filters, ensuring your engine delivers peak performance in the demanding world of commercial fishing.