Rolls-Royce has tested a high-speed marine engine operating solely on methanol on its test bench in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
The test forms part of the meOHmare research project and aims to advance the development of propulsion solutions that reduce CO2 emissions for shipping.
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The meOHmare project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, brings together Rolls-Royce, injection system specialist Woodward L’Orange, and the WTZ Roßlau technology and research centre.
The partners began work on the project in early 2023 with the objective of producing a concept for a CO2-neutral high-speed combustion engine for ships by the end of 2025.
Rolls-Royce said the test represents a milestone in its effort to offer customers ways to reduce emissions, and that the work aligns with the “lower carbon” pillar of its multi-year transformation programme.
The company also added that the project supports the Power Systems initiative to grow its marine business.
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By GlobalDataRolls-Royce Power Systems CEO Dr Jörg Stratmann said: “To date, there is no other high-speed engine in this performance class that runs purely on methanol.
“We are investing specifically in future technologies in order to open up efficient ways for our customers to reduce CO2 emissions and further expand our leading role in sustainable propulsion systems.”
Alongside the single-fuel methanol work, Rolls-Royce is developing a dual-fuel concept that can operate on both methanol and diesel as an interim solution until wider availability of green methanol.
Green methanol, produced through power-to-X processes that use renewable electricity, is CO₂-neutral in operation.
Rolls-Royce global marine senior vice president Denise Kurtulus said: “With this successful test run, we are sending a clear signal: green methanol is a future-oriented fuel – and the technology for it is here.
“The single-fuel methanol engine is an attractive solution, especially for operators of ferries, yachts or supply vessels who want to reduce their carbon footprint. The task now is to create the framework conditions for wider use.”
In August 2024, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company and Rolls-Royce announced the expansion of their MTU Yuchai Power joint venture to include the production of a broader range of MTU engines in China.
