Makeen, Rolls-Royce JV to manufacture MTU engines in Saudi Arabia

Snapshot of the agreement signing

Saudi Engines Manufacturing Co. (Makeen), a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco), Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD) and Saudi Arabian Industrial Investment Co. (Dussur), signed a framework licensing agreement with Rolls-Royce Plc.’s power systems business unit to manufacture, test, sell, and maintain high-speed engines and generator sets under the MTU brand in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in the industrial development of energy generation sectors for marine applications and off-grid power generation, both of which are witnessing considerable growth in the Kingdom, according to a press statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Mohammad Al Shammary, Chairman of Makeen, stated that this partnership with a global company is intended to positively impact the local economy.

The partnership aims to contribute to job creation, foster technical knowledge development, reduce heavy dependence on imports, promote sustainable practices, and open up new opportunities for the growth of local supply chains.

This strategic collaboration aligns with the company's commitment to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Al Shammary added.

In July 2019, Dussur, Saudi Aramco, and HD signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to manufacture two-stroke and four-stroke marine and electric power plant (EPP) engines, as well as marine pumps. The manufacturing facility is located in Ras Al-Khair in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province, according to data available on Argaam.

Saudi Aramco owns 55% of the project, while Dussur and HD own 15% and 30%, respectively.