Rolls-Royce says its mtu engines have been powering tugs around the world for 20 years and have established themselves as a trusted brand in this demanding sector.
In 2025, Rolls-Royce recorded its most successful year to date in this segment with its highest sales figures ever, and the company is continuing this success in 2026, having already sold propulsion systems for 17 tugs. More than 500 mtu engines are currently in service on tugs worldwide, collectively delivering around 1,000MW of power to waterways.
Andreas Görtz, President, Mobile & Sustainable Business Unit, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “It has proven its worth that we have continuously developed our portfolio and tailored it to the needs of port operations. Thanks to their high performance, efficiency and reliability, mtu engines support the productivity of shipping companies that are grappling with rising cost pressures, stricter emissions and efficiency regulations, and high demands on availability and operational reliability.”
Andreas Müller-Hirlinger, Sales Manager Tug & Workboat, added: “The high-speed mtu engines of the Series 4000 M65L have been specially developed for heavy-duty use in workboats in the power range up to 3,200kW. They reach full power in just a few seconds. This enables them to accelerate extremely quickly and respond to the movements of the container ships, which they manoeuvre into port with up to 90t of bollard pull.”
The company adds that its mtu marine engines have the advantage of offering a service life of up to 25 years without a major overhaul. This means that operators can significantly reduce the lifecycle costs of their vessels with mtu engines and increase availability.
Rolls-Royce is increasingly focusing on sustainable fuels and new technologies for its marine engines. The key mtu engines are approved for renewable diesel (HVO), e-diesel and other fuels in accordance with EN 15940; the company is also working on solutions for green methanol. One example of this technological advancement is a harbour tug in Shanghai, which has been powered by variable-speed mtu diesel units and batteries since 2023. The system automatically adjusts the speed to suit the operation, ensuring more economical and dynamic performance.
Turkish tugboat builders such as Uzmar, Med Marine and Sanmar rely on mtu propulsion systems. The operators of these harbour, terminal and offshore tugs include the MSC Group’s Medtug, Boluda, Svitzer, Maersk and Adani Ports of India.
Image: mtu 4000 M65L engine (source: Rolls-Royce Power Systems)
