Rolls-Royce to supply 50 mtu engines for high-speed trains in Saudi Arabia
Posted on August 21, 2025
- Stadler to deliver ten trains
- Operation of the trains at speeds of up to 200 km/h on the Dammam – Riyadh route
- mtu drive technology meets the latest emission standards EU Stage V and contributes to environmentally friendly mobility
mtu engines from Rolls-Royce will soon be powering more high-speed trains in Saudi Arabia. The company has received a major order for 50 mtu Series 4000 engines from Stadler Bussnang AG, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rail vehicles. A total of ten trains will be in service in future and will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h on the Dammam – Riyadh route. Until then, four trains will already have completed extensive test and approval runs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
The mtu Series 4000 engines will once again prove their reliability under the most demanding conditions. Since 2012, more than 70 12V 4000 engines have been in use in similar trains operated by Saudi Arabia Railways. “They ensure smooth operation despite extreme ambient conditions with temperatures above 50° c and the influence of desert dust,” said Christopher Weckbecker, Director Global Rail at Rolls-Royce. “Under these conditions, reliable air conditioning alone is essential for the survival of train passengers and personnel. We are delighted that all diesel-powered passenger trains on the Arabian peninsula are powered by mtu Series 4000 engines – this is a strong vote of confidence in our outstanding products. At the same time, this order supports our strategy by expanding further into regional growth markets, enlarging Rolls-Royce’s global foot-print in rail application.”
A total of 50 12V 4000 R64 mtu engines, each with a power output of 1,500 kW, will be delivered. Four of the engines will drive each train with two power cars. A further ten engines are intended for reserve power cars and as spare units to ensure continuous passenger service even during maintenance work. The contract between Rolls-Royce and Stadler Rail also includes an option for 40 engines for a further ten trains.
The new trains will significantly improve the economic network between the two metropolises Dammam and Riyadh. “For us, mtu propulsion technology from Rolls-Royce is a central component in this project. It not only enables high speeds, but also meets the highest standards of environmental compatibility, energy efficiency and operational safety,” said Tobias Arnold, commercial project lead at Stadler.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
- Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 48 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
- Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
- Annual underlying revenue was £17.8 billion in 2024, and underlying operating profit was £2.46 billion.
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)5.
- Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,350 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.
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