New Rolls-Royce gearboxes complement existing range

January, 2008

Rolls-Royce marine reduction gearboxes have built up a good reputation for robustness, reliability and low life-cycle costs. Now a new range has been developed which will be progressively phased in from 2008.

The successful basic single-input single-output technology is retained, with built-in clutch and thrustblock and a variety of power take-offs. These PTOs allow large shaft generators to be driven. Alternatively they can enable electric motors to feed power in for get-you-home propulsion or as part of a hybrid propulsion system.

Design changes are mainly in the direction of increased stiffness and more modular construction. The attraction for customers is that the new range both complements and supplements the existing one. Following an extensive analysis, the power, torque and shaft offsets of the new sizes correspond to current and anticipated market demands in terms of engine power and speed, and propeller speed, for a wide variety of offshore, merchant and fishing vessels.

Caption: Rolls-Royce 550GHC-P450 gearbox with primary power take-off.

The new gearboxes will be type numbered after shaft offset in millimetres, whether vertical or horizontal to port or starboard. First to be introduced will be the size 550, followed by the 950, 1050, 850 and 650. Three of the older sizes will be retained, to give a range covering in total torques from 90 to 1,200 kNm.

Large reduction ratios are inherent in the design, allowing for all the popular medium speed engines and permitting low efficient propeller speeds to the extent that the hull lines allow. It is likely that most of these reduction gears will be supplied as part of integrated propulsion systems with shaft lines and controllable pitch propellers.

For further information and high resolution images, please contact

Arnfinn Ingjerd, Vice President, Communications - Marine
Rolls-Royce plc
E-mail: arnfinn.ingjerd@rolls-royce.com
Phone: +47 70 01 42 17
Fax: +47 70 01 40 05