The agreement combines established mtu high-speed engine technology with MAKEEN’s investment in Saudi manufacturing infrastructure
Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Saudi Arabian industrial company MAKEEN have signed an Individual License Agreement (ILA) for mtu Series 2000 marine engines, paving the way for the first licensed local production of high-speed engines in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement enables the local manufacture and assembly of mtu Series 2000 engines and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to increase domestic industrial capabilities and local participation across strategically important economic sectors.
The newly signed ILA builds on a Framework License Agreement (FLA) concluded between Rolls-Royce and MAKEEN in November 2023. The FLA established the legal and commercial framework for industrial cooperation between the two companies and provides the foundation for the localisation of mtu products in Saudi Arabia.
With the mtu Series 2000 marine agreement now in place, the partners can move forward with implementing the initial local production capabilities for one of Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ proven high-speed engine platforms.
The agreement builds on Rolls-Royce’s strong foundations and growing presence in Saudi Arabia since the 1960s, where its engineering excellence is behind some of the most critical technologies that the Kingdom uses in the air, at sea and on land.
Andreas Görtz, President 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.”
MAKEEN is investing in manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia to support the localisation of advanced technologies and strengthen domestic industrial capacity. The initiative contributes to the Kingdom’s long-term objective of increasing local participation across key economic sectors.
The agreement is particularly significant because it makes Rolls-Royce the first company to license local production of high-speed engines in Saudi Arabia. The move opens up new opportunities to support future projects in strategically important sectors including marine and naval applications such as high-speed ferries, coast guard vessels and patrol boats.
Fawaz Al-Thubaiti, CEO of MAKEEN, said: “Our partnership with Rolls-Royce Power Systems brings world-class high-speed engine technology to the Kingdom and helps create a strong foundation for local manufacturing, skills development and future industrial growth. We are proud to contribute to building a more diversified and competitive economy.”
The partners will now focus on establishing the capabilities required to support future customer projects and expand the local industrial ecosystem around high-performance engine solutions in Saudi Arabia.
