Rolls-Royce has marked a major step in marine engineering with the successful test of the world’s first high-speed methanol-powered marine engine running solely on methanol. The trial took place at the company’s Friedrichshafen site and forms part of the meOHmare research project aimed at developing climate-neutral propulsion for ships. The result highlights Rolls-Royce’s ongoing push toward sustainable technology and cleaner energy options for the maritime sector.
“This is a genuine world first,” said Dr. Jörg Stratmann, 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. 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.” The development of this methanol-powered marine engine supports Rolls-Royce’s ‘lower carbon’ strategic pillar under its ongoing transformation programme, reinforcing efforts to reduce carbon intensity across its Power Systems division while expanding its marine business portfolio.
The meOHmare project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and brings together Rolls-Royce, injection system specialist Woodward L’Orange, and the WTZ Roßlau technology and research center. Their joint objective is to create a concept for a CO2-neutral high-speed marine engine based on green methanol by the end of 2025. Methanol brings its own set of engineering challenges since, unlike diesel, it doesn’t ignite on its own. Rolls-Royce engineers had to rethink the entire combustion process. They redesigned the turbocharging and control systems. Even the test bench setup was modified to suit the new fuel.
“We have fundamentally redesigned the combustion process, the turbocharging, and the engine control system – and even adapted our test bench infrastructure,” explained Dr. Johannes Kech, Head of Methanol Engine Development in the Power Systems division at Rolls-Royce. “Initial tests show that the engine is running smoothly – now it’s time for fine-tuning.” This progress signals that methanol can serve as a viable and sustainable marine fuel for high-speed vessels.
“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,” stated Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President Global Marine at Rolls-Royce. “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 parallel, Rolls-Royce is developing a dual-fuel concept capable of running on both methanol and diesel, serving as a transitional technology until green methanol becomes widely available across global shipping networks.
