Methanol engine runs on the Rolls-Royce test bench

The experimentation by Rolls-Royce Power Systems on ethanol, identified as a driver of the transition below deck, at least for yachts, continues without delay. To be honest, this is also true in the commercial sector, as evidenced by this short article about the SMM in Hamburg in 2022.

Rolls-Royce marine engine powered by methanol

Rolls-Royce has successfully tested the world’s first high-speed marine engine powered exclusively by methanol on its test bench in Friedrichshafen.

“This is a genuine world first,” said Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “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.”

Rolls-Royce’s goal is to offer customers efficient ways to reduce their CO2 emissions, in-line with the ‘lower carbon’ strategic pillar of its multi-year transformation programme. The project also aligns with the strategic initiative in Power Systems to grow its marine business.

MeOHmare project

The joint project meOHmare is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and combines the expertise of Rolls-Royce, injection system specialist Woodward L’Orange, and the WTZ Roßlau technology and research center. The goal is to develop a comprehensive concept for a CO2-neutral marine engine based on green methanol by the end of 2025.

Methanol provides new challenges for engineering: unlike diesel, liquid alcohol does not ignite spontaneously and requires a completely new injection technology. “We have fundamentally redesigned the combustion process, the turbocharging, and the engine control system – and even adapted our test bench infrastructure,” explained 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.”

“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,” emphasized 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.”

Rolls-Royce has also considered methanol in a dual-fuel perspective

At the same time, Rolls-Royce is working on a dual-fuel concept that can use both methanol and diesel – a bridging technology until green methanol is widely available. Compared to other sustainable fuels, methanol is easy to store, biodegradable, and causes significantly fewer pollutants.

“For us, methanol is the fuel of the future in shipping – clean, efficient, and climate-friendly. It burns with significantly lower emissions than fossil fuels and has a high energy density compared to other sustainable energy sources,” said Denise Kurtulus.