Rolls-Royce successfully tests 100% hydrogen engine

Rolls-Royce has confirmed tests of its mtu Series 4000 engine running on 100% hydrogen fuel have been successful. The tests mark another step towards the introduction of hydrogen engines to help the superyachting sector improve its sustainability performance.

The firm’s Power Systems business unit said the tests showed “very good characteristics in terms of efficiency, performance, emissions and combustion”

For superyachts, this is a big step forward for the likes of Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo, which signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce at the Cannes Yachting Festival, 2022.

The two companies agreed to build a superyacht fitted with two hydrogen-powered engines, using methanol as a feedstock for the fuel hydrogen fuel cells.  Due for delivery in 2026, the vessel will use the mtu Series 4000 engines tested this week.

Tobias Ostermaier, president, Stationary Power Solutions, Rolls-Royce said: “This engine will serve the market demand for hydrogen solutions in the energy transition and will be available to our customers as a reliable and clean power source for gensets and combined heat and power plants.”

The first installation of mtu engines running on 100% hydrogen is already planned for the enerPort II lighthouse project in the German inland port of Duisburg.