MTU engines from Rolls-Royce power tugs worldwide

Signet Sirius and Signet Capella, built by Signet Maritime's Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard are each powered by three MTU series 400 engines. [Photo: Rolls-Royce Power Systems]

Rolls-Royce’s MTU engines have now been powering tugs around the world for 20 years, establishing themselves as a trusted brand in the demanding sector with more than 500 MTU engines in service in tugs in the U.S. and worldwide, collectively delivering around 1,000 MW of power. In 2025, Rolls-Royce recorded its highest sales figures ever in the tug segment and is continuing this success in 2026 — already selling MTU propulsion systems for 17 tugs.

“It has proven its worth that we have continuously developed our portfolio and tailored it to the neaeds of port operations,” says Andreas Görtz, president of the mobile & sustainable business unit at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. ‘Thanks to their high performance, efficiency and reliability, MTU engines support the productivity of shipping companies that are grappling with rising cost pressures, stricter emissions and efficiency regulations, and high demands on availability and operational reliability.”

“The high-speed MTU engines of the Series 4000 M65L have been specially developed for heavy-duty use in workboats in the power range up to 3,200 kW,” said Andreas Müller-Hirlinger, sales manager tug & workboat at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “They reach full power in just a few seconds. This enables them to accelerate extremely quickly and respond to the movements of the container ships, which they maneuver into port with up to 90 tonnes of bollard pull.”

Rolls-Royce says that MTU marine engines have the decisive advantage of offering a leading service life of up to 25 years without a major overhaul. This means that operators can significantly reduce the lifecycle costs of their vessels with MTU engines and increase their availability.

Rolls-Royce is increasingly focusing on sustainable fuels and new technologies for its marine engines. The key MTU engines are approved for renewable diesel (HVO), e-diesel and other fuels in accordance with EN 15940; the company is also working on solutions for green methanol.

One example of this technological advancement is a harbor tug in Shanghai, which has been powered by variable-speed MTU diesel units and batteries since 2023. The system automatically adjusts the speed to suit the operation, ensuring more economical and dynamic performance.

Turkish tugboat builders including Uzmar, Med Marine and Sanmar are major customers for MTU propulsion systems. The operators of these harbor, terminal and offshore tugs include the MSC Group’s Medtug, Boluda, Svitzer, Maersk and Indian logistics giant Adani Ports.