New MTU R&D test facility

The first phase of the project, which is expected to cost around €40m, will see the construction of the main building and three test stands designed for engines producing up to 2,500 kW each. There will also be a storage facility for various gases used to test newly developed gas engines. The first phase is scheduled for completion at the end of 2014.

Four more test stands for engines generating up to 4,500 kW, along with a swivelling test stand, will be constructed in the second phase. This will cost around €22m and is expected to be finished by the end of 2015.

The seven test stands planned will facilitate tests on gas and diesel engines in the MTU 1600, 2000 and 4000 series.

Wolfgang Boller, spokesman for MTU Friedrichshafen, told Maritime Journal: “We want to extend our capacities and capabilities for testing new engines, new combustion procedures and especially gas engines, which will be important for us.”

He added: “We are building the facility as we need more test benches for research and development and in particular, more state of the art benches. This allows us to research and develop engines for the future and especially for exhaust after treatment for more environmentally friendly engines for ships and rail vehicles.”

The company plans to invest more than €60m in the project, which will create 20 new jobs, by 2015. The facility will allow technicians to run function tests on newly developed engines on the new, cutting edge test stands, covering the development of new combustion processes, engine control systems, engine specific exhaust gas after-treatment plants and gas engines.