RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s marine sector is on course to witness a rise in high-speed engines and electric generator sets, thanks to a new agreement. Signed by Saudi Engines Manufacturing Co. – also known as Makeen – and Rolls-Royce Power Systems, the framework licensing agreement aims to manufacture, test, sell, and maintain the products under the mtu trademark, the Saudi Press Agency reported. This covers the Rolls-Royce brand of large diesel engines, complete propulsion and drive systems for marine applications, heavy land, rail, and defense, and designs for use in the oil and gas industry and power generation. This move represents a significant achievement in the industrial development process for the energy sectors for marine applications and off-grid power production, which is currently witnessing considerable growth in the Kingdom. “This partnership aims to have a ripple effect on the local economy, creating employment opportunities, building technological know-how, substituting heavy reliance on imports, promoting sustainable practices, and creating new opportunities for local supply chain development,” Makeen’s Chairman Mohammad Al-Shammary said. “This strategic collaboration further supports our contribution toward the goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” Al-Shammary added. For his part, Makeen CEO Abdullah Al-Ghamdi explained that this collaboration seeks to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to meet the evolving demands of valued customers in oil and gas, marine, and other applications while promoting new technologies. “We are building our facilities and training our personnel to meet the high standards of quality expected from Makeen,” Al-Ghamdi said. President of Mobile and Sustainable Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems Andreas Goertz highlighted: “With the investment commitments of our new partner Makeen in localization, both for engine and genset production and service, we see a great opportunity to grow our business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Goertz added that it is crucial to have a partner in Saudi Arabia that could help supply mtu products to the domestic marine market while maintaining high-quality standards and providing first-class service to customers. Makeen is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco, Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Dussur Co. that aims to localize marine engine and pump manufacturing. It also seeks to support the national economy in the field of heavy industries as well as develop sustainable supply chains to meet local and regional demand.