Rolls-Royce has successfully tested the first high-speed marine engine powered exclusively by methanol on its test bench in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
The testing was carried out as part of the meOHmare research project which is working towards developing climate-neutral and environmentally friendly propulsion solutions for shipping.
“This is a genuine world first,” explained Dr 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.”
To date, there is no other high-speed engine in this performance class that runs purely on methanol.
Dr Jörg Stratmann
The joint project meOHmare is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and is made up of Rolls-Royce, injection system company Woodward L’Orange, and the WTZ Roßlau technology and research centre.
The goal is to develop a concept for a CO2-neutral marine engine based on green methanol by the end of 2025, however the project partners point out that methanol provides new challenges for engineering.
Unlike diesel, liquid alcohol does not ignite spontaneously and instead requires 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 Dr. Johannes Kech, head of methanol engine development in the Power Systems division at Rolls-Royce.
Attractive solution
“Initial tests show that the engine is running smoothly – now it’s time for fine-tuning.”
Denise Kurtulus, senior vice president global marine at Rolls-Royce, added: “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.”
In addition to the methanol engine, Rolls-Royce is also working on a dual-fuel concept that can use both methanol and diesel as a bridging technology until green methanol is widely available.
