Rolls-Royce mtu engines will power more Saudi Arabian high-speed trains as Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler Bussnang AG, the world’s largest manufacturer of rail vehicles, has placed an order for 50 mtu Series 4000 engines in a major deal. The engines are for ten high-speed trains operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h on the Riyadh–Dammam corridor.
The mtu Series 4000 engines are renowned for their reliability in most demanding conditions. Since 2012, more than 70 of the 12V 4000 engines have been successfully deployed in trains operated by Saudi Arabia Railways.
“They ensure smooth operation despite extreme ambient conditions with temperatures above 50° c and the influence of desert dust,” said Christopher Weckbecker, Director Global Rail at Rolls-Royce. “Under these conditions, reliable air conditioning alone is essential for the survival of train passengers and personnel. We are delighted that all diesel-powered passenger trains on the Arabian Peninsula are powered by mtu Series 4000 engines – this is a strong vote of confidence in our outstanding products. At the same time, this order supports our strategy by expanding further into regional growth markets, enlarging Rolls-Royce’s global footprint in rail application.”
Under the agreement, 50 12V 4000 R64 mtu engines will be supplied, each delivering an output of 1,500 kW. 10 more engines are also intended for reserve power cars and as spare units so that continuous passenger service can be ensured even during maintenance work. The contract also provides an option for another 40 engines that could support a further ten trains.
The introduction of these new trains will significantly strengthen economic connectivity between Dammam and Riyadh. “For us, mtu propulsion technology from Rolls-Royce is a central component in this project. It not only enables high speeds, but also meets the highest standards of environmental compatibility, energy efficiency and operational safety,” said Tobias Arnold, commercial project lead at Stadler.
