Rolls-Royce has reported successful results from its first trials of a 12-cylinder gas variant of an MTU engine running on 100 per cent hydrogen. The Power Systems business unit reported promising findings across all categories including efficiency, performance, emissions and combustion.
The technology has not yet been applied to vessels, but Rolls-Royce hopes that successful testing is the first step towards a widespread roll-out. The company has also confirmed that modifications can be made to existing engines to create conversion solutions.
The first installation of 100 per cent hydrogen MTU engines is already planned for the enerPort II lighthouse project in the German inland port of Duisburg.
Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “We see hydrogen as one of the central elements of the energy transition. It can be used for both storage of excess energy and as a fuel, not only for engines but fuel cells and cogeneration plants to generate climate-neutral electricity and heat.”
The applications for alternative fuel sources in yachting are vast, with Lürssen taking huge strides towards fuel-cell technology and Sanlorenzo forging an exclusive partnership with Rolls-Royce for the development of methanol propulsion.