Rolls-Royce Power Systems

Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Name	Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Foundation	0 1905 (as MTU Friedrichshafen)
Location	Friedrichshafen, Germany
Key people	Jörg Stratmann (CEO)
Industry	Engineering
Products	High-speed engines, propulsion systems, power generation solutions
Parent	Rolls-Royce Holdings
Website	https://www.mtu-solutions.com

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is a leading global provider of high-speed engines, integrated propulsion systems, and power generation solutions. Headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the company operates under its core brand MTU and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Holdings. Its products and services are critical for sectors including yachting, commercial shipping, land vehicles, power generation, and oil and gas.

History

The origins trace back to 1905 with the founding of Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin in Friedrichshafen. Renamed Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH in 1909, it became renowned for luxury automobiles and engines for the Luftwaffe and the Wehrmacht. After World War II, the company shifted focus, and in 1960, the engine division was spun off as Motoren- und Turbinen-Union (MTU) Friedrichshafen. Through a series of ownership changes involving Daimler-Benz and Tognum AG, the company was acquired by Rolls-Royce Holdings in 2014, forming the present entity. Key historical developments include pioneering high-speed diesel engine technology and expanding through strategic acquisitions like Bergen Engines.

Products and Services

The portfolio encompasses high-speed diesel and gas engines, complete propulsion systems, and turnkey power generation packages. Core products include the Series 2000 and 4000 engine families, used in applications from naval vessels and ferries to backup power for data centers and hospitals. The company also supplies hybrid propulsion systems, digital automation solutions under the mtu Go brand, and comprehensive after-sales support through a global service network. Key sectors served are marine propulsion, energy supply, and governmental applications.

Business Units and Brands

Operations are structured into distinct business units aligned with market segments. The primary brand is MTU, under which most engines and systems are marketed. Other notable brands within the portfolio include Bergen Engines, specializing in medium-speed gas and diesel engines for power generation and marine propulsion; and MTU Onsite Energy, focused on distributed energy systems and uninterruptible power supplies. The Rolls-Royce group's Power Systems division also encompasses L'Orange GmbH, a specialist in fuel injection systems, and provides integrated solutions through mtu Project Venn for digitalization.

Technology and Innovation

Innovation focuses on increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, and enabling new fuel types. Core research areas include advanced combustion processes, exhaust gas recirculation, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to meet stringent IMO and EPA standards. The company is developing engines capable of running on sustainable fuels like H2 and methanol, and is a leader in hybrid and fuel cell integration through projects like mtu Maritime Fuel Cell System. Digitalization efforts, such as the mtu Go platform, utilize IoT and AI for predictive maintenance and operational optimization.

Sustainability Initiatives

The corporate strategy is aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Rolls-Royce group's net-zero targets. Key programs under the "mtu Net Zero at Power Systems" roadmap involve developing climate-neutral propulsion solutions. This includes the mtu Hybrid Propulsion Package for yachts, engines certified for HVO and other biofuels, and the planned launch of hydrogen-ready engines by 2026. The company also invests in fuel cell technology for maritime applications and promotes circular economy principles through remanufacturing programs and sustainable supply chain management.

Corporate Affairs

The company is led by CEO Jörg Stratmann and employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide. Its main production and development sites are in Friedrichshafen, Augsburg, and Mankato, with a significant global footprint including facilities in China, Singapore, and Brazil. As part of Rolls-Royce Holdings, it contributes to major defense programs like the Eurofighter Typhoon and collaborates with industry partners such as Caterpillar and Daimler Truck. The division actively engages with regulatory bodies like the EU and the IMO to shape future emissions standards.

Category:Rolls-Royce Category:Engineering companies of Germany Category:Manufacturing companies based in Baden-Württemberg