Power Systems

The SBU Power Systems is one of the leading suppliers of drive and energy systems. Zeppelin has been the sales and service partner for Caterpillar engines in Germany since 1954. More than 2,000 qualified employees of the SBU offer customized, highly efficient, and durable system solutions and comprehensive services for industrial and marine applications, the oil and gas industry, rail vehicles, and power and heat generation. Digital products, system components, and ready-made solutions for ballast water treatment round out the portfolio.

Review

The 2025 financial year was marked by a dynamic geopolitical and economic environment for the SBU. Despite existing uncertainties, particularly in international trade, Zeppelin provided important technological and market impetus and was able to further strengthen its position in key areas of application.

A key focus of the reporting year was on the implementation of new energy and drive solutions. In the field of battery systems in particular, Zeppelin was able to translate its technological developments into practical applications. For example, a hybrid fuel cell and battery system power generator for construction sites was not only successfully commissioned, but also used in real-world applications for the first time. This underscored Zeppelin's technological expertise and its growing importance in the field of alternative drive solutions.

Demand for services remained high across all segments. Despite continuing challenges in the supply of spare parts, the service division recorded very high capacity utilization and made a significant contribution to the company's success.

At the international level, individual markets developed particularly positively. The business with emergency power systems for data centers also benefited from the rising demand for powerful and reliable energy supply solutions.

Another success factor was the strengthening of cross-divisional and cross-border cooperation within the SBU. Following the organizational restructuring and in the course of integrating the new activities, targeted investments were made in leadership, talent development, and employer attractiveness. The importance of a shared corporate culture was further consolidated through internal initiatives and events, forming an important basis for the future development of the SBU.

The focus was on our customers' requirements for availability and operational reliability. Zeppelin strengthened these by further developing services and solutions across the entire life cycle. The acquisition of new activities, particularly in the Netherlands and Norway, further strengthened Zeppelin's service portfolio.

Outlook

The global political environment and trade policy developments, particularly in the US, will continue to be associated with uncertainty in 2026. Against this backdrop, the SBU is consistently focusing on stability, efficiency, and the targeted exploitation of growth opportunities. This is based on a strong market position and a high-performing team.

Driven by the energy transition, advancing digitalization, and increasing demand for sustainable solutions, overall stable development is expected in the relevant markets. Strategic focus markets remain, in particular, marine and offshore, data centers, the aftermarket business, combined heat and power, and applications in critical infrastructure. In addition, demand and investment in the field of military applications are expected to increase in all segments and countries.

The product and solution portfolio will be further developed in a targeted manner to further strengthen competitiveness. The focus will be on battery storage solutions, hybrid energy systems, fuel cells, and drive solutions for alternative fuels such as methanol and HVO.

Digital services continue to be a central component of the strategic orientation and contribute to increasing operational excellence, improving occupational safety, and boosting efficiency.

In the future, consistent alignment with customer requirements will remain a key focus. The aim is to further increase availability and efficiency through digital services, technical expertise, and a strong service network.

At the same time, the strategic realignment of the SBU will be consistently pursued. In addition to structural and strategic adjustments, cross-location and cross-country cooperation will play a key role. The acquisition in 2025 has significantly expanded the SBU's business base and created the conditions for providing even more comprehensive and efficient support to customers in the future. The successful integration of new colleagues and the further strengthening of joint cooperation will therefore remain key priorities in 2026.

Successful orders

Zeppelin Power Systems supplies drive and power supply solutions for various types of ships, including underwater construction vessels, offshore service vessels, and river cruise ships, to international shipyards and shipping companies, including VARD and the Damen Shipyards Group. The orders include main engines and variable and constant speed generator sets based on Caterpillar engines, underscoring the company's strong market position in the international marine business.

Power Systems also secured an important order in the rail vehicle sector. Zeppelin Power Systems is supplying C18 engines for locomotives to Stadler Rail AG. Delivery will take place in stages until 2030 and strengthens the company's position as a reliable partner for demanding applications in the rail segment.

Several strategically relevant projects were won in the energy and infrastructure sector. These include the delivery of a large-scale battery storage system with a capacity of 9 MW / 18 MWh for grid stabilization and a project to supply heat to municipal infrastructure, in which Zeppelin Power Systems is implementing a large heat pump including a medium-voltage connection. These projects illustrate the growing importance of sustainable energy and storage solutions in the business unit's portfolio.

Another successful order was achieved in the industrial OEM business. The company in Sweden developed an EU Stage V-compliant drive solution for mobile, self-propelled stone crushers, which was successfully launched on the market. In addition to new business, the solution also offers considerable potential in the aftermarket, particularly for retrofitting existing plants.

Product innovations

In the maritime sector, the Cat Marine Battery was introduced as a scalable energy storage solution that supports sustainable propulsion concepts. The modular battery unit with an energy capacity of 28.8 kWh per module enables flexible configurations and can be integrated into both hybrid and fully electric applications. Zeppelin Power Systems is thus expanding its range of low-emission solutions for the marine sector.

Another focus of innovation was on integrated solutions for grid stabilization and reserve energy supply. With a turnkey reserve power and grid stability solution, Zeppelin Power Systems combines customized generator sets with battery storage systems. The system enables fast frequency responses and contributes to the stabilization of electrical grids – especially in applications with high requirements for availability and security of supply.

In the field of gas-powered electricity generation, Zeppelin Power Systems introduced a new series of Cat gas generators in the Czech Republic. The G3500K series is based on the globally established G3500 platform and has been specifically developed to meet current market requirements. Features include high electrical efficiency, fast start-up capability for grid feed-in or load transfer, a steep power ramp, high reliability even under demanding operating conditions, and extended maintenance intervals.

In addition, a C18 generator solution for diesel-electric drives developed by Power Systems in Sweden that complies with EU Stage V was successfully established on the market. The solution was specially designed for mobile, self-propelled rock crushers and achieved its first series deliveries in the reporting year. With further deliveries planned, this product strengthens the position in the industrial OEM business and at the same time opens up potential in the aftermarket.

In addition, Zeppelin Power Systems in the Netherlands expanded its portfolio to include modern battery technologies. The solutions enable a reduction in emissions and operating costs through the integration of battery storage systems into hybrid and electric energy systems, support load management and grid congestion control, and can be flexibly scaled for applications in microgrids, in the maritime environment, and in industrial applications. Zeppelin Power Systems is thus laying the foundation for new fields of innovation and long-term customer partnerships.

Events and Awards

Zeppelin Power Systems engaged in intensive discussions with customers, partners, and industry experts at leading trade fairs and conferences relevant to the industry, such as bauma, the Heat Pump Summit, AGRITECHNICA, Nor-Shipping, the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference, Europort, METSTRADE, and the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo. The trade fair appearances served in particular to present new solutions in the areas of marine, energy supply, digitalization, and sustainability.

Zeppelin Power Systems' performance was also confirmed by a number of awards. These include platinum certification in the EcoVadis sustainability rating, Caterpillar platinum certification as part of the CMSA assessment, the BSFZ seal for research and development, the Gazelle Company award in Norway, and official recognition as a KBB service provider in Denmark. These awards demonstrate the high level of quality, service, and sustainability expertise of the Power Systems strategic business unit.