Rolls-Royce and Saudi Engines Manufacturing Company (Makeen) have signed an individual license agreement (ILA) for mtu Series 2000 marine engines, paving the way for the first licensed local production of high-speed engines in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement enables local manufacturing and assembly of mtu Series 2000 engines and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 localisation goals. The new ILA builds on a framework license agreement concluded in November 2023, which established the legal and commercial framework for the industrial cooperation between the two companies and forms the basis for the localisation of mtu products. With the mtu Series 2000 marine agreement now in place, the partners can move forward with implementing the initial local production capabilities for one of Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ proven high-speed engine platforms. The agreement builds on Rolls-Royce’s foundations and presence in Saudi Arabia since the 1960s.
Andreas Görtz, President Business Unit Mobile and Sustainable Solutions, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in industrial development, infrastructure and energy projects. This agreement allows us to combine proven mtu technology with local manufacturing capabilities and support the Kingdom’s ambition to build a strong domestic industrial base with advanced technology.”
Makeen is investing in manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia to support the localisation of advanced technologies and strengthen domestic industrial capacity. The initiative contributes to the Kingdom’s long-term objective of increasing local participation across key economic sectors.
The agreement is considered significant because it makes Rolls-Royce the first company to license local production of high-speed engines in Saudi Arabia. The move opens up new opportunities to support future projects in strategically important sectors including marine and naval applications such as high-speed ferries, coast guard vessels and patrol boats.
Fawaz Al-Thubaiti, CEO Makeen, added: “Our partnership with Rolls-Royce Power Systems brings world-class high-speed engine technology to the Kingdom and helps create a strong foundation for local manufacturing, skills development and future industrial growth. We are proud to contribute to building a more diversified and competitive economy.”
The partners will focus on establishing the capabilities required to support future customer projects and expand the local industrial ecosystem around high-performance engine solutions in Saudi Arabia.
Image: Agreement between Rolls-Royce and Makeen (source: Rolls-Royce Power Systems)
