Closer German collaboration on marine propulsion systems
A collaboration agreement has been signed by Wilhelm Rehm (left), member of the board of management of ZF Friedrichshafen AG (left), and Dr Ulrich Dohle, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Both companies are based in the south-west German city of Friedrichshafen. ZF Friedrichshafen AG specialises in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology, and Rolls-Royce Power Systems is a division of London-headquartered Rolls-Royce plc.
Precisely matched combinations of MTU engines from Rolls-Royce Power Systems and marine transmissions from ZF have long been the preferred choice on many commercial ships and yachts, the companies say. Now, they add, they will be exchanging information and knowledge relating to the development of new technologies and products more intensively than ever to ensure that clients are provided with fully optimised propulsion solutions.
Details of the collaboration are to be specified in subsequent talks. The partners say they expect to achieve the greatest synergy effects in three areas. Each intends to extend its respective product range with the addition of jointly developed, fully integrated systems, and to collaborate closely in R&D and applications development. The ultimate aim is to provide optimally matched systems and new solutions for future marine propulsion systems, such as hybrid propulsion systems and digitally networked solutions. The partners say they also intend to work together in the fields of marketing, sales and service.
