Maritime Journal was among the marine publications to observe trials at the Filton works last month. The first of two trial engines has been running since September and easily achieved above its power rating, producing potentially enough electricity to light much of Bristol had there been a practicable means of channelling it to the grid.

The second development engine will represent the final production version and its testing will provide technical evidence to standardise the product and gain DNV preliminary type approval by August 2003. Testing will also demonstrate engine durability through endurance running in excess of 500 hours and the simulation of 3,000 operating cycles. This will include testing with a heated air intake to simulate ambient temperatures up to 26ºC to verify the engine's 'flat rated' power output.

Such capability is of concern to the operators of cruise ships sailing in tropical seas. Also, Rolls Royce claims the MT30 meets the environmental criteria of many cruise ports by producing no visible smoke throughout the power range and has the attendant capability to run at low power indefinitely.

The engines can even be shut down for a half hour while a cruise ship is in port then restarted without difficulty.

However, Rolls Royce Marine Systems managing director Gordon Waddington said the first order for the MT30, of which production versions will be available in the first or second quarter of 2004, is likely to come from the naval sector, giving commercial customers the confidence to proceed. Also on display at Filton was a one fifth scale simulator showing a complete propulsion package in which an MT30 works in combination with two 7MW Pielstick PA6B diesels linked through a cross-connected gearbox. This particular mock-up depicts a proposed Malaysian warship.

On the commercial side, the first installation could still be the fast European ro-ro concept developed jointly with Spanish shipbuilder Izar and announced last autumn at SMM. The 212m loa monohull European High Speed Cargo Vessel would be powered by two MT30s driving Rolls Royce Kamewa waterjets to carry 124 lorry trailers at a speed of 37 knots. Under the European Union's Marco Polo programme, intended to improve the environmental performance of Europe's freight transport system, EHSCV operators would be in line for a 30% EU contribution to operating costs over three years.

Waddington confirmed that detailed discussions were underway with several potential breakthrough customers.

MJ Information No: 17829