Rolls-Royce Unveils Groundbreaking Methanol Engine for Shipping

British luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce has achieved a significant milestone in marine technology by successfully testing the world’s first high-speed marine engine designed to operate solely on methanol. This groundbreaking development aims to revolutionize ship propulsion and significantly reduce carbon emissions within the maritime industry. The testing took place at Rolls-Royce Power Systems in Friedrichshafen, Germany, as part of the meOHmare research initiative.

The meOHmare project is a collaborative effort involving fuel injection specialist Woodward L’Orange GmbH and the research institute WTZ Roßlau, both based in Germany. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the project aims to create a comprehensive, CO2-neutral high-speed engine concept utilizing green methanol by the end of 2025. “This is a genuine world first,” stated Jörg Stratmann, PhD, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. “To date, there is no other high-speed engine in this performance class that runs purely on methanol.”

Redefining Marine Propulsion

Unlike traditional diesel engines, methanol is a colorless liquid alcohol that does not ignite spontaneously, necessitating a completely new fuel injection system. To accommodate this, Rolls-Royce engineers reworked the entire combustion process, turbocharging system, and engine controls. They also modified the test bench infrastructure to support the specific requirements of methanol fuel. “Initial tests show that the engine is running smoothly – now it’s time for fine-tuning,” explained Johannes Kech, head of methanol engine development at Rolls-Royce.

Methanol is gaining recognition as a potential solution for decarbonizing maritime transport. When produced using renewable energy through power-to-X technology, it offers nearly CO2-neutral operation. Furthermore, methanol is biodegradable, easily stored, and generates significantly fewer pollutants compared to fossil fuels. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for ferries, yachts, and offshore vessels that need to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. “We are investing specifically in future technologies to open up efficient ways for our customers to reduce CO2 emissions and further expand our leading role in sustainable propulsion systems,” Stratmann added.

A Vision for Sustainable Shipping

According to Denise Kurtulus, senior vice president of global marine at Rolls-Royce, the successful testing of this engine marks a pivotal moment for sustainable shipping. She emphasized that green methanol is an innovative fuel and that essential technology to support its use is already in place. “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,” Kurtulus remarked. “The task now is to create the framework conditions for wider use.”

The company has revealed that the development of this new engine aligns with its broader strategy to enhance its marine portfolio by incorporating lower-carbon technologies. Additionally, Rolls-Royce is exploring a dual-fuel concept capable of running on both methanol and diesel, serving as a transitional solution until green methanol supply chains are fully established. “For us, methanol is the fuel of the future in shipping – clean, efficient, and climate-friendly,” Kurtulus concluded. “It burns with significantly lower emissions than fossil fuels and has a high energy density compared to other sustainable energy sources.”

As the maritime industry grapples with the urgent need to reduce its environmental impact, Rolls-Royce’s innovative approach may pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for shipping.