MTU hybrid propulsion systems. Credit: Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.

Rolls-Royce has unveiled plans to bring to market a range of completely integrated MTU hybrid propulsion systems for ships, yachts, workboats, ferries and patrol boats by 2020.

The propulsion systems will have a power range extending from around 1,000kW-4,000kW per powertrain.

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Prior to the launch, the company intends to test a new MTU hybrid system incorporating Series 2000 engines in a yacht next year.

Rolls-Royce MTU Marine and Government Business head Knut Müller said: “The combination of diesel engines and electric motors, in addition to batteries, will offer our customers significant benefits in a variety of marine applications – the most important being efficiency, environmental compatibility and the flexibility of the propulsion system.

“With the aid of a modular system, we will make integrated hybrid propulsion systems available that are tailored to the customer’s specific requirements.”

The company will offer variable propulsion modes to suit each type of vessel.

For example, the hybrid propulsion system designed for tugboats will allow precise manoeuvring using the electric motor and a powerful bollard pull using the diesel engines and electric motors.

For yachts or passenger ships, the systems will provide silent, vibration-free and emission-free cruising.

“With the aid of a modular system, we will make integrated hybrid propulsion systems available that are tailored to the customer’s specific requirements.”

Rolls-Royce also added that hybrid propulsion systems offer reduced operational costs for patrol boats and other applications that need high speed and power requirements.

The complete hybrid MTU propulsion systems for ships comprise internal combustion engines, electric drive modules, transmission systems, batteries, monitoring and control systems, as well as other electronic components.

As of 2020, the company will launch systems incorporating MTU Series 2000 engines with a power range of around 1,000kW-2,200kW per powertrain.

In the subsequent year, MTU will add hybrid systems based on the power delivered by MTU Series 4000 engines and as many as four electric motors, with each powertrain having a power range of between 1,000kW and 4,000kW.