Saudi Arabia’s High-Speed Rail: Rolls-Royce mtu Engines Power Dammam-Riyadh

Introduction

Rolls-Royce will supply 50 mtu Series 4000 engines to Stadler Bussnang AG for a new fleet of high-speed trains in Saudi Arabia. These trains will operate on the Dammam–Riyadh route at speeds up to 200 km/h.

Contract Details and Engine Specifications

Rolls-Royce has secured a contract to provide 50 mtu Series 4000 engines. The order includes engines for ten new high-speed trains being built by Stadler Bussnang AG. Each train will utilize four 12V 4000 R64 mtu engines, each producing 1,500 kW, across two power cars. An additional ten engines will be supplied as reserves and spares. The contract also includes an option for 40 additional engines to power another ten trains.

Operational and Environmental Standards

The engines meet EU Stage V emissions standards. The mtu Series 4000 engines are designed to operate in extreme conditions. More than 70 engines are already in service in Saudi Arabia since 2012. According to Christopher Weckbecker, Director Global Rail at Rolls-Royce, the engines ensure smooth operation despite temperatures above 50°C and desert dust.

Project Goals and Collaboration

The order supports Saudi Arabia Railways’ long-term goal of modernizing and expanding passenger transport capacity between Dammam and Riyadh. Tobias Arnold, commercial project lead at Stadler, stated that mtu propulsion technology from Rolls-Royce is a central component of the project, enabling high speeds and meeting environmental standards. Before entering service, four of the new trains will undergo extensive test and approval runs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Significance

Rolls-Royce emphasized that the order reflects its global growth strategy and the strong reputation of the engines in regional markets. According to Christopher Weckbecker, this order supports Rolls-Royce’s strategy by expanding further into regional growth markets and enlarging Rolls-Royce’s global footprint in rail applications. The engines have been central to Saudi Arabia’s high-speed rail development since 2012.

Conclusion

Rolls-Royce will supply 50 mtu Series 4000 engines to Stadler for a new fleet of high-speed trains in Saudi Arabia, designed for the Dammam–Riyadh route. The engines meet EU Stage V emissions standards and will undergo testing before service. This order supports Saudi Arabia’s rail expansion and aligns with Rolls-Royce’s growth strategy.

Company Summary

Rolls-Royce: Rolls-Royce is supplying mtu Series 4000 engines for the new high-speed trains.

Stadler Bussnang AG: Stadler Bussnang AG is building the new fleet of high-speed trains for Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Railways: Saudi Arabia Railways aims to modernize and expand passenger transport capacity between Dammam and Riyadh.

Technology

mtu Series 4000: The mtu Series 4000 engines will power the new high-speed trains. They are designed to withstand extreme conditions and meet EU Stage V emissions standards. Each engine is 12V 4000 R64 and produces 1,500 kW.