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Rolls-Royce is showcasing its latest state-of-the-art propulsion systems and service solutions from MTU Friedrichshafen (part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems) for motor and sailing yachts at this year's yacht shows in Cannes and Monaco.

At the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes, which takes place from 12 to 17 September, MTU will be presenting a new close-to-production prototype hybrid system based on its 16-cylinder Series 2000 engine.

The latest MTU propulsion solutions for mega yachts will be on display from 27 to 30 September at the Monaco Yacht Show. The firm will be presenting its advanced-design Series 4000 engines for IMO III, including MTU's selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Close-to-production prototype hybrid propulsion system for superyachts

A model of the new close-to-production prototype MTU hybrid system based on the 16V 2000 M96 engine will be on display. According to Rolls-Royce, the new system will provide yacht owners with a combination of high performance and efficiency. The MTU hybrid propulsion systems are designed on a modular basis and, depending on the diesel-engine series, will cover various electrical outputs within series solutions.

Stefan Muller, Head of Application Center Marine & Offshore at MTU, said: "Electric motors and hybrid propulsion systems from MTU will be an important mobility component for marine propulsion systems of the future. MTU offers a proven, series solution, which combines the mechanical and electrical components to provide optimum performance through MTU's automation system."

Yachts with MTU hybrid propulsion

MTU has delivered a hybrid propulsion system designed to meet the client's specific requirements for 'Sailing Yacht A', the world's largest sailing yacht, which was commissioned in the spring 2017.

The system has a combined diesel-electric propulsion, offering seven different propulsion modes. When needed, a high speed can be reached using the combination of both diesel and electric propulsion, but can also provide slow, extremely efficient cruising with very low vibration levels and reduced fuel consumption, Rolls-Royce says.

In addition to this project, MTU has also completed additional hybrid initiatives. In its 'Nova Hybrid' project partnership with Heesen Yachts shipyard, for example, Heesen is offering a 50-metre fast displacement luxury yacht in its portfolio, which features a combination of 1,200 kW of diesel power (2 x MTU 12V 2000 M61) and 2 x 110 kW of electrical output. The all-aluminium yacht can travel at a speed of 9 knots on its electrical power source alone.

MTU propulsion systems for megayachts (IMO III + II)

MTU will be showcasing its latest generation of Series 4000 engines at the Monaco Yacht Show, which comply with IMO III emission regulations when combined with MTU's SCR system. The yacht engines will be available as 12, 16 and 20-cylinder versions covering the power range from 1,920 to 3,900 kW. MTU will still also include IMO II engines in its range.

Flexible operation: MTU's new SCR system

The new integrated solution for IMO III, consisting of MTU's propulsion system and SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment system, is said to take up little space, offer flexible installation, and feature an "excellent" power to weight ratio. The SCR system from MTU is also flexible in operation: depending on the area (IMO II or IMO III) in which the yacht is sailing, the SCR system can be switched on or off as required.

MTU's SCR system is a fully controlled system, with real-time nitrogen oxide (NOx) measurement upstream and downstream of the SCR. This also regulates the amount of reactant injected to ensure that it is precise and ideal regardless of the operating conditions. The first IMO III yacht propulsion system with two 16V 4000 M73R MTU engines will be used in a new 80-metre megayacht built by the Bilgin Yachts shipyard in Istanbul.

MTU on board new yachts at the tradeshows

There will be a number of yachts on display at the shows in Cannes and Monaco fitted with MTU engines. In Cannes, they will include the 38-metre-long 'Skyler' from Benetti (2 x MTU 12V 2000), the 'Sunseeker 131' from Sunseeker (2 x MTU 12V 4000). In Monaco, visitors will also have the opportunity to look around Heesen's 'Home' (2 x MTU 12V 2000), for example, and Mangusta's '165 E series' (4 x MTU 16V 2000).

Image: The Series 4000 engines for yachts are modified slightly to meet IMO Tier III and launched on the market with MTU's SCR system. The engines will be available as 12, 16 and 20-cylinder versions for a power range extending from 1,920 to 3,900 kW.