Rolls-Royce to work on methanol-fueled engine development

Rolls-Royce, fuel injection specialist Woodward L’Orange and non-profit research institution WTZ Roßlau are partnered in a new joint project called “MeOHmare,” which is receiving EUR 8 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. The goal is to develop a concept for a high-speed internal combustion engine for ships that can run on green methanol in a CO2-neutral manner by the end of 2025.

Methanol, as a new fuel for shipping, requires significant changes to the engine concept.

Woodward L’Orange, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer of injection systems for large engines, will completely redevelop the high-performance injection systems in the project.

WTZ Roßlau will be responsible for setting up a methanol endurance test rig, testing injection

Rolls-Royce’s business unit Power Systems will develop an engine concept based on the mtu Series 4000 that will be designed for low-emission, CO2-neutral and economical operation of ships with methanol. Climate and environmental friendliness as well as the highest possible power density of the propulsion system are the particular focus of the development.