Rolls-Royce licenses production of mtu engines in Saudi Arabia

Rolls-Royce and the Saudi Engines Manufacturing Company (MAKEEN) have signed an individual licensing agreement (ILA) covering local production of mtu Series 2000 engines.

The ILA builds on the framework licensing agreement concluded in November 2023, which established the legal and commercial framework for industrial cooperation between the two companies.

Andreas Görtz (left) and Fawaz Al-Thubaiti, CEO of MAKEEN at signing of licensing agreement (Photo: Rolls-Royce)

Andreas Görtz, president of the Business Unit Mobile & Sustainable Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in industrial development, infrastructure and energy projects. This agreement allows us to combine proven mtu technology with local manufacturing capabilities and support the Kingdom’s ambition to build a strong domestic industrial base with advanced technology.”

Local production of the high-speed mtu Series 2000 engines will support the industrial localization element of Saudi Vision 2030, which looks to increase local participation in key economic sectors.

Rolls-Royce says that it is the first company to license local production of high-speed engine in Saudi Arabia.

According to Rolls-Royce, the engines will be targeted at marine applications, including naval, coast guard and ferry vessels. Later plans will see engines produced for the rail sector.