A new partnership sets out to transform the existing fleet with next-gen fuel solutions.
MB92 Group and Rolls-Royce have announced a forward-thinking alliance that could change the way the superyacht industry approaches propulsion — not through vague pledges, but with practical, scalable refit solutions focused on low-emission synthetic fuels.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared mission: to accelerate the adoption of sustainable alternatives for the current yacht fleet. This begins with BtL (Biomass to Liquid), HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), and PtL (Power to Liquid) e-diesel — synthetic fuels that meet EN15940 standards and can already be used in mtu Series 2000 and 4000 engines with no modification required.
For MB92 Group CEO Jean-Marc Bolinger, this collaboration marks a pivotal shift in the refit landscape. “There is great potential for those willing to take the initiative on driving progress in sustainability,” he notes — an ethos reflected in MB92’s intent to weave these technologies directly into ongoing refit projects.
Rolls-Royce brings substantial technical clout to the table, including ongoing R&D into methanol-based propulsion — a promising area that Bolinger calls “really encouraging.” Their recent progress in methanol optimisation could soon present viable retrofit options, expanding the refit toolkit beyond what’s currently available.
One of the standout opportunities lies with HVO, a drop-in fuel capable of reducing lifecycle emissions by up to 90% — if the supply infrastructure can catch up to the technology. Where HVO compatibility is absent, the strategy is to refit yachts with newer mtu systems designed to accommodate it, adding future resilience as part of the upgrade.
Crucially, this isn’t just a technical partnership. It includes shared data, R&D collaboration, and education — all of which support more informed decision-making across owners, engineers, and shipyards. In other words: not just parts, but progress.
In an industry increasingly defined by its responsibility to evolve, the MB92 and Rolls-Royce partnership offers more than a plan — it offers a pathway.
