Rolls-Royce completes tests on single-fuel methanol engine

Friedrichshafen-based Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG has completed successful tests of the world’s first high-speed marine engine powered exclusively by methanol. The company has worked closely with partners Woodward L’Orange and WTZ Roßlau in the meOHmare project which, they claim, has reached an important milestone in the drive to develop climate-neutral marine fuels.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the project is targeting ‘a comprehensive concept’ for a CO₂-neutral marine engine based on green methanol by the end of 2025. However, unlike diesel, methanol does not ignite spontaneously and therefore requires a new type of injection technology.

Johannes Kech, head of Methanol Development at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “We have fundamentally redesigned the combustion process, the turbocharging, and the engine control system – and even adapted our test bench infrastructure. Initial tests show that the engine is running smoothly – now it’s time for fine-tuning.”

The company’s chief executive, Jörg Stratmann declared: “This is a genuine world first. 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.”

Denise Kurtulus, senior vice president Global Marine at Rolls-Royce, added: “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 … 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.”