Rolls-Royce has successfully tested the world’s first high-speed marine engine powered exclusively by methanol. The test, conducted at the company’s facility in Friedrichshafen, marks a key milestone in the meOHmare research project, which aims to develop climate-neutral propulsion solutions for the maritime sector.
“This is a genuine world first,” said Dr. Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. “No other high-speed engine in this performance class runs purely on methanol. We are investing in future technologies to help our customers reduce CO₂ emissions and strengthen our leadership in sustainable propulsion.”
The meOHmare project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, brings together Rolls-Royce, injection system specialist Woodward L’Orange, and research centre WTZ Roßlau. The goal is to create a CO₂-neutral marine engine based on green methanol by 2025.
Methanol, unlike diesel, does not ignite spontaneously, requiring entirely new combustion, turbocharging, and engine control systems. “We have fundamentally redesigned the combustion process and adapted our test bench infrastructure,” said Dr. Johannes Kech, Head of Methanol Engine Development at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “Initial tests show the engine runs smoothly — now it’s time for fine-tuning.”
According to Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President Global Marine at Rolls-Royce, the successful test sends a strong signal to the maritime industry: “Green methanol is a fuel of the future, and the technology for it is here. It offers a viable solution for operators of ferries, yachts, and supply vessels looking to reduce their carbon footprint.”
In parallel, Rolls-Royce is developing a dual-fuel version capable of running on both methanol and diesel — a transitional technology until green methanol becomes widely available.
