Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply mtu Series 2000 and 4000 marine engines for the Korea Coast Guard’s new 50-ton and 500-ton patrol boat programs. The initial units are due for delivery by 2027, kicking off a major 15-year fleet modernization initiative to reinforce regional maritime enforcement.
Friedrichshafen, Germany | June 22, 2026 – Rolls-Royce Power Systems has been officially selected to supply high-performance mtu propulsion engines for two major upcoming patrol boat construction programs spearheaded by the Korea Coast Guard (KCG).
The dual-program win marks the beginning of a long-term strategic fleet renewal campaign designed to strengthen South Korea’s sovereign maritime security, upgrade its enforcement capabilities against illegal fishing vessels, and replace its aging regional coastal hulls.
Technical Specifications: Upgrading the 50-Ton and 500-Ton Classes
The engine supply contracts cover two distinct ship classes within the KCG fleet, utilizing both the mtu Series 2000 and Series 4000 engineering platforms:
The 50-Ton Class Patrol Boat Program
- Engine Type: mtu 16V 2000 M96
- Initial Scope: Two shipsets, each featuring two engines (4 engines total), scheduled for physical delivery by 2027.
- Long-Term Outlook: This program acts as the baseline for a massive 15-year rolling procurement plan that aims to deliver more than 50 total shipsets to phase out legacy coastal patrol units.
The 500-Ton Class Patrol Boat Program
- Engine Type: mtu 20V 4000 M93L
- Initial Scope: Two shipsets, each featuring two high-speed engines (4 engines total), slated for delivery by 2027.
- Operational Mandate: These larger platforms are specifically optimized for heavy-weather interception and enforcement operations targeting illegal maritime incursions.
Program Timeline and Deployment Execution
Both naval architecture programs are currently progressing through their detailed engineering and design phases. The Korea Coast Guard intends to finalize and issue the formal construction orders for the initial two hulls of each class in the second half of 2026.
Michael Long, Vice President, Sales Governmental, APAC at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, commented on the technical partnership:
“We are honored to support the Korea Coast Guard in its fleet strengthening efforts with our mtu Series 2000 and 4000 engines. These engines are engineered for reliability, efficiency, and performance, ensuring the Korea Coast Guard can respond swiftly and effectively to maritime challenges. Our ongoing partnership and technical support will help maximize operational uptime and mission success.”
The high power-to-weight ratio and fast acceleration profiles characteristic of the mtu M93L and M96 lines are highly sought after by regional government agencies executing rapid-response intercept operations, where immediate throttle responsiveness is critical to mission success.
About Rolls-Royce Power Systems
A subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, and employs over 10,350 professionals globally. The division specializes in high-speed mtu-brand propulsion systems, diesel and gas engines for specialized defense, marine, and heavy land vehicles, as well as integrated microgrid and sustainable energy storage technologies.
Source: Rolls-Royce