The Three Aces Up Rolls-Royce’s Sleeve at Cannes 2025

In the latest print issue of POWERTRAIN International, we gave you a sneak peek at Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ 12V 2000 M96Z at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. But the team from Friedrichshafen arrived on the French Riviera with a much more comprehensive showing, expanding on their ‘From Bridge to Propeller’ portfolio. Beyond the 28-liter engine, they also unveiled the new NautIQ bridge and a new exhaust aftertreatment system for the 16-cylinder mtu Series 4000.

The 2,222 HP Rolls-Royce Engine Takes the Stage at Cannes

The new 12-cylinder engine in the mtu 2000 series for yachts and other fast vessels offers maximum power of 2,222 hp (1,634 kW). The 12V2000 M96Z is 220 hp (162 kW) more powerful than its predecessor. This takes power density to a new level, as the dimensions and measurements are virtually unchanged from the previous 12V 2000 M96X model.

To achieve these new peak values, the turbochargers have been further developed for powerful acceleration with low exhaust emissions, the crankcase and cylinder heads have been improved, and new pistons have been developed. Like all mtu yacht engines, the 12V2000 M96Z is approved for operation with the sustainable fuel HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil). IMO II and EPA Tier 3 recreational certifications are possible.

Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President Global Marine, expressly recommends this fuel for sustainable yacht operation: “With this hydrogenated vegetable oil, a CO2 reduction of up to 90 per cent is already possible. We are convinced that there is no alternative to the combustion engine in the yacht market in the foreseeable future if performance and range requirements are to be met. The fuel used is the alternative, and that is currently HVO, which is now available in many ports. Many yacht captains and owners have already had excellent experiences with HVO. We have tested it extensively on our test benches and can confirm that mtu engines can run on it without any problems.”

mtu Nautiq Bridge

This platform for serial production yachts condenses the core technology of high-end systems for steering, control, navigation and alarming into a scalable and operational sophistication. The mtu NautIQ Bridge is engineered not only for today’s navigation requirements, but also ready to integrate the future technologies. While many serial production yachts still rely on traditional, standalone equipment, the NautIQ Bridge provides a scalable system ready for AI-powered decision support, predictive maintenance and other emerging innovations – enhancing safety, optimising vessel performance and transforming the onboard experience for captains and crews.

The launch highlights how Rolls-Royce is shaping the future of integrated bridge systems within its mtu NautIQ portfolio, drawing on the expertise of Team Italia Marine, the Italian specialist for bridges and automation, acquired by Rolls-Royce in 2023.

 Since joining Rolls-Royce two years ago, Team Italia Marine has contributed its know-how in electronic bridge integration, reinforcing the Group’s strategy to expand technological innovation and global reach. Under Rolls-Royce’s leadership, production capabilities and R&D activities have been scaled up, paving the way for entry into new yacht segments and international markets. Team Italia Marine’s bridge solutions are now an integral part of the mtu NautIQ portfolio of Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division and are now also being marketed outside Italy.

mtu exhaust gas aftertreatment system 

Rolls-Royce also introduced at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 new exhaust aftertreatment systems in combination with the 16-cylinder mtu Series 4000 engine for yachts, tugs, and ferries. The new generation of mtu SCR requires up to 42 percent less space and weighs almost 40 percent less. Further advantages include an increased service life of the ceramic SCR material (substrate) to 18,000 operating hours (depending on the load profile) and a 15 percent reduction in life-cycle costs. Rolls-Royce will gradually offer the new generation of the mtu Flex SCR system for other mtu engines as well.