Rolls-Royce becomes first high-speed engine manufacturer to license local production in Saudi Arabia
Posted on October 01, 2026
- Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Saudi Engines Manufacturing Company (MAKEEN) sign licensing agreement for local production of mtu high-speed engines in Saudi Arabia
- First licensed production of mtu Series 2000 engines in the Kingdom
- Supports Saudi Vision 2030 and industrial localisation
- Expands capabilities for marine, targeted to be followed by rail
Rolls-Royce and 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 local manufacturing and assembly of mtu Series 2000 engines and supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 localisation goals.
The newly signed ILA builds on the Framework License Agreement (FLA) concluded in November 2023, which established the legal and commercial framework for the industrial cooperation between the two companies and forms the basis for the localisation of mtu products. 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.
About MAKEEN
Saudi Engines Manufacturing Company (MAKEEN) is a leading Saudi industrial company specializing in the manufacture, servicing, and lifecycle support of advanced marine and land-based engines and equipment. Formed through a strategic collaboration between Saudi Aramco, HD Hyundai, and Dussur, MAKEEN combines world-class technology, manufacturing expertise, and operational excellence to serve customers across the maritime, industrial, and energy sectors. Through its focus on innovation, localization, and sustainable value creation, MAKEEN contributes to strengthening industrial capabilities and supporting long-term economic growth in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
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 47 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 £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
- 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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