Rolls-Royce Power Systems has received a methanol readiness certificate from classification society DNV for its current mtu Series 4000 engines.
With this certification, DNV confirms the technological concept that will enable newly built Rolls-Royce marine propulsion systems to be retrofitted for dual-fuel operation with methanol in future.
Lukas Köhler, SVP Global Marine and Mining, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “The uncertain future of CO₂ legislation is driving a growing desire among many ship operators for greater flexibility in terms of propulsion and fuel. With the methanol-ready certificate, we are giving our customers the assurance that they will be able to operate their ships on methanol in future, as soon as the fuel is sufficiently available.”
In 2025, Rolls-Royce had already successfully tested the first high-speed marine engine powered exclusively by methanol on the test bench in Friedrichshafen in Germany. Since then, Rolls-Royce has completed and analysed more than 5,000 operating hours using methanol in single- and dual-fuel mode on various test benches.
Köhler added: “These extensive findings form a strong foundation for our methanol retrofit concept. We see green methanol as an important future fuel for a wide range of marine applications, particularly for offshore vessels, ferries and mega yachts. With this certificate, we have reached another milestone on our methanol roadmap.”
When burned, green methanol produces significantly lower NOx and particulate emissions than diesel and, when assessed on a well-to-wake basis (from source to wake), has a significantly lower CO₂ footprint than fossil fuels.
Rolls-Royce says it is making targeted investments in future technologies and is continually expanding its experience in sustainable fuels. The aim is to provide customers with effective ways of reducing CO₂ emissions. As early as 2021, Rolls-Royce tested and approved its key mtu engine series for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and other sustainable fuels in accordance with DIN EN 15940. As part of its partnership with the German e-fuel manufacturer Ineratec, earlier in 2026 the company successfully completed laboratory testing of the renewable synthetic fuel Matera e-Diesel.
Image: mtu engine undergoing methanol testing (source: Rolls-Royce Power Systems)
