Rolls-Royce Tests Pure Methanol Engine
Rolls-Royce has successfully tested the world’s first high-speed marine engine powered exclusively by methanol on its test bench in Friedrichshafen.
Together with their partners in the meOHmare research project, Rolls-Royce says its engineers have thus reached an important milestone on the road to climate-neutral and environmentally friendly propulsion solutions for shipping.
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 Dr. 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.”
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.
