Rolls-Royce to supply engines for South Korean rail modernisation

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is supplying 33 mtu Series 4000R engines to the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) as part of a diesel locomotive fleet modernisation programme. The engines will be installed in new freight locomotives manufactured by the South Korean company Romansys, which is based in Changwon.

The new locomotives are intended to replace Korail’s existing diesel fleet and will primarily operate on the central freight corridor between Seoul and Busan. This marks the first time Korail has utilized the mtu 4000R Series engines, though the company has a long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce dating back to 1987.

According to Andreas Görtz, president of the Mobile & Sustainable unit at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, the engines were selected because they meet modern emission standards while providing the necessary power, reliability, and operational efficiency for freight services. Technical support and servicing will be managed by MEST, a South Korean distributor and joint venture between ENST Co and Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia.