Rolls-Royce introduces new MTU hybrid propulsion system for ships

Rolls-Royce has announced it will launch a range of fully integrated MTU hybrid ship propulsion systems onto the market from 2020, with testing of the product incorporating Series 2000 engines in a yacht scheduled for 2019. The new propulsion systems will also be made available for yachts, workboats, ferries and patrol boats in a power range extending from 1,000kW to 4,000kW per powertrain. “The combination of diesel engines and electric motors, in addition to batteries, will offer our customers significant benefits in a variety of marine applications,” said Knut Müller, head of MTU’s marine and government business. “The most important being efficiency, environmental compatibility and the flexibility of the propulsion system. With the aid of a modular system, we will make integrated hybrid propulsion systems available that are tailored to the customer’s specific requirements.” Rolls-Royce will offer complete hybrid propulsion systems from MTU for ships, consisting of MTU internal combustion engines, electric drive modules, transmission systems, batteries, monitoring and control systems, in addition to other electronic components. The systems will be offered in a variety of power ranges to suit individual customer requirements. As of 2020, systems incorporating MTU Series 2000 engines combined with one or two electric motors per powertrain each with 150kW of electrical output, will be launched on the market and will cover a power range of between approximately 1,000kW and 2,200kW per powertrain. In 2021, MTU will extend its portfolio with the addition of hybrid systems based on the power delivered by MTU Series 4000 engines and as many as four electric motors, each with 150kW of electrical output, and will cover a power range of between approximately 1,000kW and 4,000kW per powertrain. The new MTU hybrid propulsion systems are part of the Green and High-Tech initiative, which Rolls-Royce Power Systems launched in 2015. With this program the company is making targeted investments in environmentally friendly solutions for the future, designed to reduce pollutant emissions and the consumption of energy and raw materials.