Rolls-Royce upgrades engine for emergency service vessels

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has expanded its portfolio of engines for patrol and emergency response vessels with a 12-cylinder mtu product with a higher power density.

Its mtu 12V version of its Series 2000 M96Z engine has a power output of 1,634 kW and is suited to workboats built for patrol, policing and emergency applications, and for high-speed leisure vessels. It will be available for newbuilds in 2026.

Rolls-Royce changed the weight and dimensions compared with the 12V 2000 M96X model, which delivered 1,472 kW.

“The new 12-cylinder version of the mtu Series 2000 engines stands for maximum performance, and increased power density and acceleration,” said Rolls-Royce Power Systems chief executive Jörg Stratmann.

An advanced turbocharging system will deliver greater acceleration with low exhaust emissions, according to Rolls-Royce. It has a reinforced crankcase, strengthened cylinder heads and new pistons, and is approved for use with renewable diesel including hydrotreated vegetable oil. The 12V Series 2000 M96Z engine is certified to IMO Tier II and US Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 emissions standards.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems senior vice president for global marine, Denise Kurtulus, said this new engine could be combined with hybrid propulsion systems, azimuth thrusters and propellers within an integrated powertrain.