Rolls Launching New MTU Propulsion System For Yachts

Rolls-Royce said it is launching new MTU propulsion systems and bridge solutions for yachts as well as enhancing its portfolio of technical services with the addition of a new Yacht Competence Center in La Spezia, Italy.

The new IMO 3 propulsion systems covering MTU series 4000 engines in a power range between 2830 and 3900 kW are already available for delivery. Beginning in 2021, series 2000 engines with outputs from 1270 to 1940 kW will also be available. Starting in 2020, Rolls-Royce said it will gradually introduce a range of completely integrated and modular MTU hybrid marine propulsion systems for production yachts with a power range extending from approximately 1000 kW to 4000 kW per powertrain. Rolls-Royce is now also offering integrated bridge solutions – MTU SmartBridge – for both series production yachts and mega yachts.

Rolls-Royce will be showcasing the new propulsion systems, in addition to MTU service and bridge solutions for motor yachts, at the Yachting Festival in Cannes from Sept. 10-15 on Stand Jetée 179 and at the Monaco Yacht Show from Sept. 25-28 September at Quai Chitane-on Stand QC9.

The integrated solution for IMO 3 consists of a propulsion system and SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment system that are optimally matched, designed for flexible installation and are maintenance friendly, Rolls-Royce said. MTU’s SCR system is fully controlled with real-time NOx measurement both upstream and downstream of the SCR system. This helps ensure that the precise amount of reactant is introduced at all times, regardless of the conditions. IMO 3 solutions for yachts based on MTU 16 and 20-cylinder Series 4000 engines (2830 to 3900 kW) are already available. Beginning in 2021, Rolls-Royce will also be putting integrated IMO 3 solutions on the market for 12 and 16-cylinder Series 2000 engines (1270 to 1940 kW).

“With the aid of a modular system, we will make integrated hybrid propulsion systems available that are tailored to the customer’s specific requirements,” said Denise Kurtulus, director, Global Sales Marine at the Rolls-Royce Power Systems business unit. The introduction of the first yacht built by British luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International fitted with an MTU series production hybrid system is already scheduled in the near future, the company said.

The hybrid propulsion systems encompass MTU’s Series 2000 and 4000 internal combustion engines, electric propulsion models, transmission systems, batteries, monitoring and control systems and other electronic components.

“Our customers receive integrated systems with an appropriate choice of propulsion involves the easy to operate,” Kurtulus said. “This is something we are quite capable of doing as a result of decades of experience in system integration and with the aid of our Blue Vision New Generation Hybrid automation system.”

Rolls-Royce said it is now offering integrated bridge systems – MTU SmartBridge – for both series production yachts and mega yachts. All essential subsystems on the vessel for monitoring, control and navigation are integrated into a platform that provides a single point of access to all information that is crucial to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. This relates primarily to the propulsion system, the ship automation and control system, the power management system, in addition to navigation and communication systems. Additional digital features, such as one-touch documentation, the integration into the MTU Go! platform and the access to MTU’s global service network improve the performance of the vessel as a whole and enhance the cruising experience.

In October of this year, Rolls-Royce will be opening a new Yacht Competence Centre in La Spezia , with experts on MTU propulsion systems available to provide advice to shipyards and the project teams of yacht owners when fitting out.