(Friedrichshafen, Germany) – Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG has tested what it claims is the "world's first high-speed marine engine" powered exclusively by methanol at its test rig in Friedrichshafen. CEO Jörg Stratmann stated that there is currently no other engine of this type and performance class: "This is a true world first."
Unlike diesel fuel, liquid alcohol does not ignite spontaneously. This necessitates a completely new injection technology. © MTU
“We have fundamentally redesigned the combustion process, the turbocharging, and the engine control system, and even adapted our test bench infrastructure,” says Johannes Kech, Head of Methanol Engine Development in the Power Systems division at Rolls-Royce. “The initial tests show that the engine runs stably – now it’s a matter of fine-tuning.” One challenge is that, unlike diesel, for example, the liquid alcohol does not ignite spontaneously. This necessitates a completely new injection technology.
Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President Global Marine: “The single-fuel methanol engine is a particularly attractive solution for operators of ferries, yachts, or supply vessels who want to reduce their CO2 footprint.” © MTU
“The single-fuel methanol engine is a particularly attractive solution for operators of ferries, yachts, or supply vessels who want to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President Global Marine at Rolls-Royce. Now, the challenge is to create the framework for wider use. “Green methanol is a future-proof fuel – and the technology for it is available.” In parallel, Rolls-Royce is working on a dual-fuel concept as a bridging technology that can use both methanol and diesel until green methanol is widely available.
The goal is to develop a comprehensive concept for a CO2-neutral ship engine based on green methanol by the end of 2025. © MTU
The development took place within the framework of the collaborative project "meOHmare," which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with an undisclosed sum. Also involved are the injection system specialist Woodward L'Orange and the WTZ Roßlau Technology and Research Center. The goal is to develop a comprehensive concept for a CO2-neutral ship engine based on green methanol by the end of 2025.
Green methanol is considered one of the most promising alternative fuels for shipping, according to the company. When produced using electricity from renewable energy sources via the power-to-X process, its operation is CO2-neutral. Compared to other sustainable fuels, methanol is easy to store, biodegradable, and produces significantly fewer pollutants.
Rolls-Royce Power Systems, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, is part of the British Rolls-Royce Holdings plc. Operating under the MTU brand, the company offers solutions for energy and drive technology – including high-speed engines and systems for ships, heavy land and rail vehicles, and military applications. The portfolio ranges from diesel and gas engines and battery solutions to integrated energy systems for safety-critical applications, continuous power supply, combined heat and power (CHP), and microgrids.
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Rolls-Royce has tested a high-speed marine engine on the test bench in Friedrichshafen that runs exclusively on methanol. © MTU
