Rolls-Royce has secured a significant contract to deliver 50 mtu Series 4000 engines to Swiss train manufacturer Stadler Bussnang AG for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming high-speed rail network.
As part of the agreement, 10 advanced trains will be powered by mtu engines and deployed on the Dammam–Riyadh line, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. Before entering passenger service, four trains will undergo extensive testing in both Europe and Saudi Arabia to demonstrate reliability in the Kingdom’s extreme desert conditions, where temperatures often exceed 50°C.
The mtu Series 4000 engines are already proven in Saudi Arabia. Since 2012, more than 70 engines have been powering Saudi Arabia Railways, ensuring reliable operations and passenger comfort despite challenging heat and dust.
“We are proud that all diesel-powered passenger trains across the Arabian Peninsula rely on mtu Series 4000 engines,” said Christopher Weckbecker, Director Global Rail at Rolls-Royce. “This order reflects strong confidence in our technology and supports our strategy of expanding into regional growth markets.”
Expanding Connectivity and Economic Growth
Each 12V 4000 R64 mtu engine delivers 1,500 kW of power, with four engines driving each train. An additional 10 engines will serve as reserves, ensuring uninterrupted passenger service during maintenance. The contract also includes an option for 40 more engines, supporting long-term fleet expansion.
Tobias Arnold, Commercial Project Lead at Stadler, highlighted: “mtu propulsion systems not only enable high speeds but also meet the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and sustainability.”
The project is expected to significantly strengthen Saudi rail infrastructure by boosting connectivity between Dammam and Riyadh, a strategic corridor central to the Kingdom’s growing economy.
Why It Matters for Saudi Passengers and the Rail Ecosystem
- Faster, more frequent service: With 200 km/h capability and spare engines ensuring uptime, operators can schedule denser, more reliable timetables on this vital intercity corridor.
- Desert-proven technology: Over 70 mtu Series 4000 engines already operate successfully in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating resilience in >50°C heat and desert dust.
- Sustainability gains: Compliance with EU Stage V emission standards means lower particulate and NOx emissions compared to older fleets—supporting Saudi Arabia’s push for greener mobility.
- Industrial depth: Collaboration with Stadler and Rolls-Royce diversifies the supplier base, builds local maintenance expertise, and aligns with the Kingdom’s logistics and Vision 2030 mobility goals.
Conclusion
This deal marks both a strategic win for Rolls-Royce and a significant leap forward for Saudi intercity mobility. With desert-tested mtu engines, advanced emissions compliance, and a fleet built for uptime, the Dammam–Riyadh high-speed rail corridor is set to deliver faster, cleaner, and more reliable journeys—just as Saudi Arabia’s rail network expands to meet soaring demand.
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