Rolls-Royce successfully tests pure methanol marine engine

The methanol engine on the testbench at the Power Systems division of Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has achieved a significant breakthrough in marine propulsion with the successful test of the world’s first high-speed engine powered exclusively by ‘green methanol’. The test, conducted at the company’s Friedrichshafen facility in Germany, marks a major milestone in the meOHmare research project, which aims to deliver climate-neutral solutions for the shipping industry.

Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, said: “This is a genuine world-first. To date, there is no other high-speed engine in this performance class that runs purely on methanol. We are investing specifically in future technologies in order to open up efficient ways for our customers to reduce CO₂ emissions and further expand our leading role in sustainable propulsion systems.”

The meOHmare project, which began in early 2023, is a collaboration between Rolls-Royce, injection system specialist Woodward L’Orange, and the WTZ Roßlau technology and research centre. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the initiative is focused on developing a comprehensive concept for a CO₂-neutral marine engine based on ‘green’ methanol by the end of 2025.

Methanol presents unique engineering challenges due to its combustion characteristics. Unlike diesel, it does not ignite spontaneously, necessitating a complete overhaul of traditional engine systems. Dr Johannes Kech, head of methanol engine development in the Power Systems division at Rolls-Royce, explained: “We have fundamentally redesigned the combustion process, the turbocharging, and the engine control system — and even adapted our test bench infrastructure. Initial tests show that the engine is running smoothly — now it is time for fine-tuning.”

An attractive solution
The successful test run sends a strong signal to the maritime industry about the viability of methanol as a sustainable fuel. Denise Kurtulus, senior vice president Global Marine at Rolls-Royce, said: “With this successful test run, we are sending a clear signal — green methanol is a future-oriented fuel — and the technology for it is here. The single-fuel methanol engine is an attractive solution, especially for operators of ferries, yachts or supply vessels who want to reduce their carbon footprint. The task now is to create the framework conditions for wider use.”

In parallel, Rolls-Royce is also developing a dual-fuel engine concept capable of running on both methanol and diesel. This bridging technology is intended to support operators until green methanol becomes more widely available, reinforcing the company’s commitment to practical and scalable decarbonisation in marine transport.

Green methanol is considered one of the most promising alternative fuels for shipping. If it is produced using electricity from renewable energies in a power-to-X process, its operation is CO₂-neutral. Compared to other sustainable fuels, methanol is easy to store, biodegradable, and causes significantly fewer pollutants.

Ms Kurtulus concluded: “For us, methanol is the fuel of the future in shipping — clean, efficient, and climate-friendly. It burns with significantly lower emissions than fossil fuels and has a high energy density compared to other sustainable energy sources.”