Rolls-Royce to supply 33 mtu engines for the modernisation of the Korean freight locomotive fleet | Rolls-Royce

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Rolls-Royce to supply 33 mtu engines for the modernisation of the Korean freight locomotive fleet

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Wednesday 12 August 2026 07:30 AM

Rolls-Royce to supply 33 mtu engines for the modernisation of the Korean freight locomotive fleet

Rolls-Royce is expanding its position in the Asian rail market: 33 high-performance mtu Series 4000R engines are being supplied to the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL)ands will be fitted into new freight locomotives by the South Korean rail vehicle manufacturer Romansys.

Korail once again relies on proven mtu engines for fleet modernisation
Rolls-Royce first fitted Korail with mtu engines back in 1987
Strong local partnership: Distributor MEST to provide technical support and service

Rolls-Royce is expanding its position in the Asian rail market: 33 high-performance mtu Series 4000R engines are being supplied to the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), the state-owned operator of South Korea’s rail network. The engines will be fitted into new freight locomotives by the South Korean rail vehicle manufacturer Romansys. The first 30 engines had already been delivered before August 2026.

The new locomotives will replace the existing fleet of diesel locomotives and support the modernisation of South Korean freight transport. They will mainly be used on the central line between Seoul and Busan, one of the country's most important freight transport links.

Andreas Görtz, President of Business Unit Mobile & Sustainable at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said:

We are delighted to once again be able to support Korail and Romansys with our mtu engines. These engines meet modern emission standards while offering the power and reliability required for today's freight transport needs, with maximum operational efficiency”.

Continuation of long-standing partnership

Korail opted the first time for the powerful generation of the mtu Series 4000R engines. In the past, Korail has already relied on mtu Series 183 and 396 engines, including in the diesel-hydraulic vehicles of the Saemaul train, which was introduced between 1987 and 1993. The current modernisation programme continues this proven partnership.

Local partner MEST provides onsite service

MEST, the South Korean distributor for mtu products and solutions and a joint venture between ENST Co. and Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia, is responsible for technical support and service for the engines, thereby ensuring comprehensive support. Close cooperation with local partners guarantees fast response times and in-depth technical expertise onsite. This quality of service was an important factor in the decision to choose mtu engines.

Press photos for download can be found at Media Centre (mtu-solutions.com)

About Romansys

Romansys is a South Korean manufacturer of rail vehicles based in Changwon. The company develops and produces modern locomotives for national and international markets.

About MEST

MEST Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company based in Yangsan that acts as a distributor for Rolls-Royce Power Systems and specialises in the sale and technical support of diesel and electric engines as well as electronic systems for land and marine technology. MEST is a joint venture between ENST Co. and Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia established in 2016.

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 47 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 11,000 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.

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