GE’s electrical drivetrain selected for Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s new fleet 25 October 2012

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary's new fleet of Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) tankers is to get fuel-efficient electrical propulsion drivetrain technology from GE.

When completed beginning in 2016, the four, 37,000-ton MARS tankers will be the UK's next-generation class of large, fast-fleet tankers that will deliver fuel and fresh water to Royal Navy vessels around the world.

GE's drivetrain will be installed as a key part of the ships' hybrid propulsion configuration, which combines electrical and mechanical technology to turn the ship's propeller throughout its speed range.

When the ship operates at moderate and low speeds, the propeller shaft will be turned using GE's electric motor and variable speed drive controller system. Meanwhile, at high speeds the diesel engine or gas turbine wil be connected directly to the propeller through a gearbox.

Paul English, marine vertical leader for GE's Power Conversion business, says that using an electric propulsion motor, powered by the ship's generating sets, saves fuel, reduces emissions and reduces maintenance costs of the main engines.

"Our electrical drivetrain technology will offer the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's new fleet of MARS tankers a highly energy efficient, flexible and integrated power and propulsion system, available to direct power as needed in support of their crucial military operations around the world," he comments.

He also states that the MARS tanker contract reflects a growing trend among the world's leading navies to use GE's electric propulsion technology. Other orders include the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates, Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers and Type 45 destroyers, the US Navy's Zumwalt destroyers and the French Navy's Mistral class.

Briaan Tinham

Related Companies
GE Power Conversion Ltd

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