Rolls-Royce Equips Offshore Supply Vessels with mtu Engines

Singapore-based Strategic Marine commissioned Rolls-Royce to power its three new offshore supply vessels with four 16V mtu Series 2000M72 engines. Each engine generates 5,760 kW of power, making these Surface Effect Ships (SES) the fastest of their kind. Sea trials demonstrated a maximum speed of over 53 knots. An African national oil company will utilize these vessels to transport passengers to offshore platforms and floating production, storage, and offloading vessels.

“We are extremely proud that our mtu propulsion package has helped to develop this new type of vessel,” said Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President Global Marine at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “The power-to-weight ratio and long maintenance intervals of over 12,000 hours were crucial factors in the selection of our engines. These product benefits will help us achieve our strategic goal of increasing our share of the commercial marine market.”

The 35-meter-long SES’s use air-cushion technology within a catamaran hull form—an optimized power-to-weight ratio and powerful fans generate the air cushion between its hulls, significantly reducing hull drag and resistance. This marks the first time an air-cushion design was deployed in the offshore oil and gas sector.

Surface Effect Ship; image credit: Rolls-Royce

More Project Details

Leveraging the mtu propulsion package, the SES can travel at notably higher speeds than traditional monohulls and catamarans, with fuel consumption remaining at the same per hour of operations. The higher speed delivers shorter passenger transit times, while the low hull drag and resistance saves fuel and minimizes emissions.

“Our goal in building these crew transport vessels was to minimize the water resistance at the hulls and maximize the cruising and top speed of the ship,” said Chan Eng Yew, CEO, Strategic Marine. “The 53-knot top speed during the sea trials demonstrates that we were successful in building and commercializing this technology for offshore crew transfer applications. mtu engines have made a significant contribution thanks to their power-to-weight ratio.”

Rolls-Royce Maritime News

In late October 2024, Rolls-Royce announced the development of new mtu energy and automation solutions for current and future submarine models, including:

• an upgraded, higher-power submarine charging unit; and
• NautIQ automation systems for subsea ship control and monitoring.

Rolls-Royce’s new concept involves an on-board power generator driven by the planned 20-cylinder version of the mtu Series 4000 submarine engine. The new model will have a higher power output, enabling faster battery-charge times and reducing the submarine’s surface exposure. Also, the compact design minimizes footprint in the hull by eliminating the need for an extra genset.

The NautIQ Master automation system will be updated with integrated control and monitoring capabilities for sub-surface platforms. The automation solution controls both the propulsion system and power supply, monitors unit condition, and integrates various standard systems. It can be expanded with modules such as damage control, on-board training, alarm and monitoring, navigation, and communication systems—all of which can be controlled via standardized user interface.

In September, Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Lürssen Yacht Refit & Services signed a framework agreement to regulate co-operation in mtu propulsion system overhauls and improve services for yacht customers. Currently, technicians and specialists from both companies overhaul the entire mtu propulsion system—from engine to the NautIQ ship automation system. This joint package prioritizes a speedy refit process to return the ship to its owner.