Rolls-Royce has successfully tested the world’s first high-speed marine engine running entirely on methanol.
The test took place at the company’s Friedrichshafen facility in Germany under the meOHmare research project.
“This is a genuine world first,” said Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “No other high-speed engine in this performance class runs purely on methanol.”
The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, brings together Rolls-Royce, Woodward L’Orange, and WTZ Roßlau to develop a CO2-neutral engine concept by 2025.
Methanol poses engineering challenges as it doesn’t ignite like diesel, requiring a new injection and combustion system.
“Initial tests show the engine is running smoothly – now it’s time for fine-tuning,” said Dr Johannes Kech, Head of Methanol Engine Development.
“With this test, we’re showing that green methanol is a viable, future-oriented fuel,” added Denise Kurtulus, SVP Global Marine at Rolls-Royce.
