Rolls-Royce to release MTU hybrid propulsion systems by 2020

Sep 24, 2018 by Triton Staff

Rolls-Royce plans to release MTU hybrid ship propulsion systems by 2020.

The propulsion systems will be made available for yachts, work boats, ferries and patrol boats in a power range extending from about 1,000kw to 4,000kw per powertrain, according to a press release.

The company also announced plans to test a new MTU hybrid propulsion system incorporating Series 2000 engines in a yacht in 2019. The system high power output is expected to increase comfort levels resulting from silent, vibration-free and emission-free cruising, according to Rolls-Royce.

The new MTU hybrid propulsion systems for ships are part of the Green and High-Tech initiative, which Rolls-Royce Power Systems launched in 2015. This program includes environmentally friendly solutions designed to reduce pollutant emissions and the consumption of both energy and raw materials, the company stated.

MTU has already equipped a number of vessels with customer-specific hybrid propulsion systems, according to the company, including S/Y A, the world’s largest sailing yacht, which was commissioned in 2017. The MTU hybrid system on S/Y A is a combined diesel-electric propulsion system that offers seven propulsion modes, according to Rolls-Royce. When needed, a maximum speed of 21 knots is achieved using the diesel engines and electric motors for a combined power output of close to 16,000kw; while slow cruising with low vibration levels and reduced fuel consumption is also possible, the company stated.

With its “Nova Hybrid” project, the Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts offers customers a 50m fast displacement yacht that combines 1,200kw of diesel power (2 x MTU 12V 2000 M61) with 2 x 110kw of electrical output. The all-aluminium yacht can travel at a speed of 9 knots on electrical power alone, while offering silent cruising, according to Rolls-Royce.

For more information, visit mtu-report.com.

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