Rolls-Royce is introducing significantly extended engine running times, of up to 96,000 hours between overhauls (TBO), for the latest generation of its mtu Series 4000 engines, for commercial marine applications.
In general, all marine engines of the latest generation of mtu Series 4000 can now run for up to 25 years before they need a major overhaul, depending on the duration and intensity of use. That is seven years more between overhauls than previously recommended.
Rolls-Royce's mtu Series 4000 engines
The company, thus, not only makes an important contribution to sustainability and resource conservation, but also allows its customers to significantly reduce operating costs, as well as enabling better planning, and higher availability of tugs, ferries, and workboats.
This is made possible by the almost legendary reliability and robustness that the mtu Series 4000 engines have been demonstrating, for the last 25 years and Big Data analysis of tens of thousands of real engine data sets, which enables Rolls-Royce to accurately predict engine and component running times.
New TBO intervals and maintenance schedules
Making the operation of commercial vessels more sustainable and climate-friendly is a key driver for us"
The new TBO intervals and maintenance schedules, which Rolls-Royce will present for the first time at the International Workboat Show, in New Orleans, apply to new engines of the type 4000 M05.
Denise Kurtulus, the Vice President - Global Marine, at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said “Making the operation of commercial vessels more sustainable and climate-friendly is a key driver for us. That is why we are particularly pleased that our customers will be able to use their mtu engines in an even more resource-efficient way in the future.”
Longer intervals between major overhauls
Denis adds, “The longer intervals between major overhauls mean, among other things, that fewer parts have to be produced and the amount of travel among service personnel is significantly reduced, which is good for the climate. Lifecycle costs are reduced for our customers, helping them to compete in the tough marketplace.”
Rolls-Royce’s first step is to adjust the TBO and maintenance intervals of the latest generation of mtu Series 4000 (M05) engines for commercial marine applications. This is valid for all load profiles.
Specifically, this means that, for example, the TBO of a 16V 4000 M65L tugboat engine in the lowest load profile for this application (Tug low) will be doubled to 54,000 hours. The longest TBO of all engines in the series is offered by the mtu engine of the type M55R with a running time of 96,000 hours in the lowest load profile.
Robustness and reliability of the mtu Series 4000 engines
These impressive figures are possible, due to the robustness and reliability of the mtu Series 4000 engines
These impressive figures are possible, due to the robustness and reliability of the mtu Series 4000 engines, 25 years’ experience of operating these engines and careful analysis of vast amounts of data, using the latest algorithms. Rolls-Royce has a database of more than 50,000 data sets from 18,000 engines in service.
On this basis, Rolls-Royce can predict exactly which components can be operated for how long, so that replacement only takes place, when it is necessary. This saves resources, working time and costs for the operator. Rolls-Royce is also planning to adapt the TBO intervals for the M03 and M04 engine generations of Series 4000, in the near future.
Pioneer in climate-friendly propulsion and power solutions
Rolls-Royce Power Systems, with its product and solution brand – mtu Solutions, is pioneering climate-friendly propulsion and power solutions, in marine applications. It is currently transforming itself from an engine manufacturer to a provider of integrated sustainable solutions.
With the sustainability programme ‘Net Zero at Power Systems’, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is taking concrete steps towards climate-neutral solutions. For example, starting in 2023, the company will certify its Series 2000 and 4000 engines for sustainable fuels, such as e-diesel and second-generation biofuels, thereby enabling climate-neutral operation, in all applications.
In addition to using sustainable fuels, the company is also working on new technologies, such as CO2-free fuel cell systems.
