Komatsu marine engines are the top consideration for boat owners when a robust module with cutting-edge features is on mind, ever since the merger with Komatsu Diesel Co., Ltd. In 2014, the brand established a solid reputation for producing high-performance marine variants. While these engines are primarily manufactured for industrial and automobile purposes, Komatsu offers distinct adaptability for marine applications.
The Japanese multinational corporation has been reigning the marine market across Asian countries over the past decade. These engines boast rugged construction, long-lasting performance, and new-age technical specifications. From small workboats to auxiliary gensets, Komatsu offers a range of distinctive engines with customizable marine powering solutions you can rely on with peace of mind.
In this blog post, we provide a guide to Komatsu’s offerings in the marine segment. Read on to learn more about the best-in-class models, engine features, emission standard compliance, and more.
Best Komatsu Marine Engine Models
SAA6D170E-5 – Main Propulsion Engine
These powerful inline 6-cylinder engines are reliable for continued load and heavy-duty operations, featuring a 23.15L displacement. With a 170 mm × 170 mm bore and stroke, the module delivers balanced combustion during demanding power output requirements. Expect up to 515kW of delivery at 1800 rpm, making it highly suitable for powering propulsion systems in a stringent environment. Moreover, these engines can achieve a peak torque of up to 3205 Nm at a low 1300 rpm.
Komatsu SAA6D170E-5 features the best-in-class twin cooling system for enhanced temperature management. The turbocharger paired with an air-to-air aftercooler ensures high-end energy efficiency, minimal wear, and extended service life.
The common-rail electronic fuel injection technology, paired with the EGR system, supports operation in extremely hot conditions. The engine has EPA 2006 certification for cruising sensitive routes. Komatsu has made significant strides in reducing NOx and particulate emissions compared to their engines over the past century.
SAA6D107E-1 – Auxiliary Gensets
These modules are ideal for compact spaces in small to mid-sized vessels. The Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 can cater to diverse energy supply needs for bilge pumps, electrical systems, and other onboard power requirements in medium-duty crafts.
The inline 6-cylinder engine has a displacement of up to 6.69L, with a 107mm bore and 124mm stroke, making it an ideal configuration for mid-range operations with decent energy efficiency. With the possibility of raising the propulsion to 2000 rpm, these engines produce a power rating of 150–200 HP (110–150 kW). The energy output is suitable for small boats and auxiliary genset power supply.
To curb overheating issues, these Komatsu marine engines are paired with turbocharging and air-to-air aftercooling. The ratings ensure reliability for consistent and high performance at varying loads. These engines operate on common-rail injection or direct injection. With retrofit integrations, the engines comply with EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA regulations for navigation in strict zones.
Komatsu SAA6D170E-7
Like the other Komatsu marine engines, the SAA6D170E-7 model features six inline cylinders with a displacement of 23.15L. With 170 mm × 170 mm bore and stroke, these engines also serve diverse truck applications (HD605-8). It has 578kW (775 HP) gross power rating during truck operations at 2000 rpm, emerging as one of the most potent options to serve as the main engine and auxiliary powering solution in this range.
These fuel-efficient marine engines work in conjunction with turbochargers to extract maximum energy from exhaust gases, paired with an air-to-air aftercooler to alleviate heat from the engine room. An additional EGR coolant unit serves as a combustion temperature management system.
Optimize fuel savings with an electronically managed direct injection system and deliver results that meet the EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. Level up from the previous -5 edition with these features and technical facilities.
Komatsu S6D140E
S6D140E is the ideal solution for medium-power applications in small vessels and workboats. The 14 L engine features a 6-cylinder inline arrangement. With a power rating of 320–400 HP (239–298 kW), the engine can serve as both a propulsion and auxiliary power solution.
The integration of the engine and turbocharger facilitates efficient exhaust gas management. The cooling system is an exception among other modules, featuring a water-cooled mechanism. It has earned the “low-emissions” designation in its class, utilizing an electronically controlled direct-fuel injection method. However, the engine complies with only old pre-Tier III standards with advanced integrations.
S4D/S6D series
The S4D/S6D marine lineup features several rugged and energy-efficient engines for various small vessel types and onboard applications. These Komatsu engines combine heavy-duty architecture with marine adaptations, ensuring long service life in demanding environments.
Are Komatsu Marine Engines Good for Your Vessel
While there is no one-word answer to this query, specific considerations highlight the supremacy of these engines over other options in the South Asian marine industry. Here we look at the Komatsu engine benefits for small to mid-sized vessels:
Electronic Common-Rain Injection
Komatsu’s electronic control-equipped standard rail injection system comprises a monitoring system and an operation management unit for the operators. Precise injection delivery supports fuel efficiency and combustion optimization for each cycle.
The use of high-quality fuel, clean combustion, and turbocharged exhaust gas management results in lower emissions and zero particulate formation. When the EGR cooling is paired with SCR retrofits, these engines boast a significant reduction in NOx release and compliance with stringent IMO Tier II and Tier III emission requirements.
Dual-Loop/ Jacket Water Cooling System
Komatsu engines feature a dual freshwater-saltwater cooling system for minimal corrosion risk and superior temperature management. Freshwater flows along the hollow blocks (coolant jackets) on the cylinder head in a closed circuit, eliminating contact with metallic engine surfaces. The open-circuit heat exchanger unit allows saltwater to pass through protective copper–nickel or titanium tubes, cooling the hot freshwater flowing from the cooling jackets.
OEM Engine Parts
Komatsu regularly manufactures OEM spare parts for its entire engine lineup. Contact us if you need Komatsu engine replacement parts. Our global supply chain efficiently addresses sales queries and product shipment requirements. Wherever you are, it is our responsibility to deliver the required items safely to your doorstep.
Are you looking to upgrade your fleet with advanced, durable marine engines?
Alfa Marine Spare Parts can provide you with umpteen choices depending on your vessel size, type, operations, load, and other specifications. We sell small to heavy-duty engines from globally renowned brands, including Cat, Cummins, Komatsu, Wärtsilä, Deutz, Detroit Diesel, Perkins, Scania, Doosan, John Deere, and others. Explore the entire range of marine modules on our website.
If you are unsure about selecting an engine for your boat or ship, please get in touch with us with your specific requirements. Our team will be with you throughout the process.






