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More flexible, more efficient, electric: Rolls-Royce expands its portfolio of variable-speed marine generator sets

31 August 2026

Rolls-Royce is expanding its range of marine propulsion systems with standardised, variable-speed mtu generator sets based on the Series 2000.
  • Rolls-Royce expands propulsion portfolio for Offshore Vessels, Ferries, Crew boats and Patrol Boats
  • Compact, flexible, and powerful: mtu generator sets offer industry-leading power density, a compact footprint and flexible usability
  • Quiet and fuel-efficient: variable-speed gensets can reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and noise during operation
  • Cost-effective: longer TBO (time between overhauls) intervals and lower maintenance costs

Rolls-Royce is expanding its range of variable-speed mtu generator sets with standardised gensets based on the Series 2000, which set new benchmarks in terms of power density and efficiency. The gensets adjust their engine speed to match actual power demand, thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during operation by up to 15 percent compared to fixed-speed units. At the same time, they operate about 6 dB quieter than conventional units.

Cost-effective, compact, and powerful — variable-speed mtu generator sets with multiple benefits for ship operators

Longer intervals between overhauls (TBO) and lower maintenance costs ensure high cost-effectiveness over the entire life cycle. Their compact design and high-power density make the generator sets particularly attractive for vessels with limited space and weight constraints, such as passenger ferries, crew boats, offshore supply vessels, yachts, and patrol boats.

Dr. Lukas Köhler, Senior Vice President of Global Marine & Mining at Rolls-Royce Power Systems explained:

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With our new offering, we provide an industry-wide advantage by offering variable-speed generators that cover a very wide power range — we offer 8V, 10V, 12V, and 16V models. This allows us to offer our customers a generator for every project that is optimally sized and highly efficient”

The new standardized, variable-speed generator set, with an operating speed range of approximately 1,200 to 2,450 rpm depending on the engine type, and an electrical output of 650 to 1,850 kWe, offers optimal adaptation to different load profiles — also making it ideal for modern, battery-powered marine applications and as a range extender. 

The new product is based on Rolls-Royce’s decades of experience with diesel-electric propulsion systems. Numerous workboats already have variable-speed mtu gensets based on the Series 4000 on board, and many yachts benefit from diesel-electric propulsion systems based on the Series 2000.

Reliable and efficient gensets as the backbone of maritime electrification

The role of gensets on ships has evolved and is no longer limited to propulsion and auxiliary operations. On battery-powered ships, they serve as an emergency power source for propulsion, and on hybrid ships, they extend the range and act as boosters.

Lukas Köhler said:

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Even ships with battery- or electric-powered main propulsion systems benefit from the reliability and efficiency of mtu’s variable-speed gensets. In combination with our modern mtu internal combustion engines, which can run on sustainable fuels, they support the trend toward ship electrification and the maritime energy transition”

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

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
  5. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
  6. 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.

www.rolls-royce.com

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