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Rolls-Royce plc has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Drydocks World Dubai to provide systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered tugs for the Middle East market.

The tugs, to be designed by the Drydocks World in-house design team, will incorporate a range of power and propulsion equipment from Rolls-Royce, including Bergen medium speed gas engines.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World, and Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce, President - Merchant, in Dubai.

Commenting on the news, Gilliver said: "We are pleased to be working with Drydocks World to integrate highly efficient LNG power and propulsion systems into LNG powered tugs for the Middle East market. This cooperation further demonstrates our commitment to helping customers improve their operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. We look forward to working with Drydocks World and other partners as we develop these opportunities further."

Juma Buamim remarked: "We are at the threshold of a new era in environment management for maritime sustainable development. Drydocks World seeks to take a leadership role in implementing green technology solutions and is developing a new product, the 'Green Tug,' which is an LNG powered tug that will comply with new emission control regulations."

Rolls-Royce is a leader in the development of LNG technology for the marine industry. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year approved for sale in the U.S. market the latest state-of-the art ECA Tier 3 compliant Rolls-Royce [Bergen C26:33] marine gas engines, which the company says are 'ideal for tug propulsion'. They are designed to improve fuel efficiency, dramatically cut harmful methane emissions and meet strict international environmental standards set to take effect in 2016.

The EPA Certificate of Conformity has been issued for the C-engine range from Rolls-Royce, whose engines are already in operation on several car and coastal ferries. The world's first LNG-powered cargo ship, also powered by Rolls-Royce, entered service in Norway last year.