Today's systems are semi-automated, all-electric systems and have been developed to complement our conventional abeam and astern refuelling rigs. A new replenishment-at-sea system (HRAS)is being developed that will permit loads of up to 6 tonnes to be safely transferred between ships.
Where liquids and solids are required to be transferred at the same time our dual capacity high performance rig is the ideal solution and can safely operate up to sea-states 6 and 7. A liquids only system is supplied for fleet tanker installation. As both systems are semi-automatic, one man at the control console on the supply ship operates all winches and controls the re-supply or refuelling operation.
System features
- Conform to Lloyds Naval Rules and Def Stan 07-279 (NES 114)
- All-electric for low manning and low maintenance
- Semi-automatic operation for improved safety
- Capable of operating up to sea-state 7 (Liquids)
- In service with 12 navies
Moveable HighPoints (MHP)
Moveable HighPoints are also part of the Roll-Royce supply and give ships the ability to receive liquid or solid transfers. They are simple to operate and normally custom designed to ensure the reception points are at the correct height relative to the distance from the deck edge.
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Rolls-Royce offer complete automated handling systems for naval replenishment-at-sea systems. Click on a product for more information.
Heavy jackstay winch
At the heart of the system is the single barrel heavy jackstay winch, powered by two high torque AC induction motors with variable speed inverter drives and active front end control.
This drive arrangement ensures minimal harmonics and programmable power factor, and demonstrates high efficiency by regenerating power to the ships power system.
It provides the 28mm main wire rope support between the supply and receiving ship that carries the hose saddles that support the refuelling hoses.
Once the Jackstay tension is set, the system is able to automatically respond to extremes of vessel movement and maintain it.
Extra safety is provided by the use of integrated slipping clutches, that limit the maximum load applied to the supporting structure of the receiving vessel.
Masts
Masts are designed by Rolls-Royce (with design approval by an independent regulator) to match the supply ship and the range of vessels it will refuel.
It will normally be fabricated to the Rolls-Royce design and integrated within the ship by the shipbuilder. The FAS sheave and saddle wire sheave blocks are part of the Rolls-Royce supply.
Refuelling hoses
Dual and single fuel probe options can be supplied depending on customer requirements, together with the probe reception point on the receiving ship and a small electric capstan to facilitate rope handling during RAS(L) operations.
Hose diameters including 7 inch (177mm), 6 inch (153mm), 4 inch (100mm) and 2.5 inch (64mm) can be accommodated with standard NATO connections for fuel and water.
Rolls-Royce supply everything from the hose deck connection on the supply ship.
Winch mounting options
For installation simplicity and ease of maintenance, winch modules are usually deck mounted behind the mast. Where deck space is limited and to allow the naval architect flexibility in vessel design, the jackstay winch can be mounted below deck underneath the mast and the saddle winches nearby.
Relocation is a simple matter of rerouting power cables and maintaining acceptable cable/sheave geometry.
Operators console
Normally positioned well above the deck, the user friendly operators console houses the joysticks, control systems and diagnostics for the system. The console has an integral seat for a single operator.
Saddle winches
The three saddle winches are used to adjust the position of the hose saddles. The fourth is fixed from the mast. Saddle winches are driven by 3 speed DOL 3 phase AC induction motors through totally enclosed spur gearboxes.
All deck mounted electrical equipment and enclosures have an ingress protection rating of IP56.
Additional refuelling systems
Dependant on customer requirements, Rolls-Royce can supply alternative methods of fuel transfer as new equipment or for retrofit:
Astern refuelling
The astern refuelling rig is installed in the stern quarters of the supply ship. Using this system ships can be refuelled, even in heavy seas at speeds up to 15 knots.
Large Derrick rig
In service with many navies, provides additional flexibility to refuel smaller ships.
Solids handling
Rolls-Royce is also at the forefront of solids handling systems:
Dual Purpose rig
Capable of independent operation with either solids or liquids transfer from the same station. A single control console controls refuelling and operations to transfer loads up to 2 tonnes. Work is now underway to develop a system capable of transferring up to 6 tonne loads.
Light Jackstay rig
A simple rapidly deployed manual system for the transfer of loads up to 250kg.
Proven experience
For over 50 years Rolls-Royce has supplied Britain’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary and other international navies with Replenishmentat-sea for stores (RAS(S)) and Fuelling-at-sea (RAS(L)) systems capable of refuelling and replenishing large and small vessels.
The equipment, formerly part of the Clarke Chapman Marine product portfolio has been fitted to fleet tankers and stores ships to transfer liquids and solids at sea to a wide variety of ships in NATO navies, and has been tried and proven worldwide under all operating conditions with high reliability.
Proven design philosophy
Maximum use is made of the latest commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment and modular design to maximise performance and minimise cost. Each system is custom engineered to exactly match each customer’s requirement and to integrate with the vessel - we understand that individual navies replenishment needs are unique.
Safe operation
Rolls-Royce is totally dedicated to designing and supplying systems that are the world’s most advanced by integrating the best in technology.
We are the only manufacturer to offer automated all-electric systems, suitable for mounting on open decks subject to green seas. This enables us to provide safer, more reliable and flexible refuelling systems, matched to the trend towards the all-electric ship and are cost effective in terms of initial and through life costs.
Rolls-Royce systems conform to the requirements of:
- ATP-16 (D)
- Lloyds Naval Rules
- Def-Stan 07-279 (NES 114)
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Rolls-Royce awarded £21million Royal Navy contract for replenishment-at-sea systems
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has been selected to supply a unique replenishment-at-sea (RAS) system to the Royal Navy. It will enable heavier-than-ever loads to be transferred between moving ships, more than doubling the amount of vital supplies which can be moved per transfer.
Rolls-Royce has already completed the detailed design phase of the project and this latest contract, worth £21 million, includes the construction of a land-based demonstrator to trial the new equipment.
Commodore Preston, Head of Afloat Support at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation, said: “We are delighted that the contract for this vital training facility has been signed. This equipment will help train Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary crews in real time operational scenarios in a safe and controlled environment before undertaking it at sea.”
Richard Dingley, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President Naval - UK and International said: “Replenishment-at-sea is a vital part of modern naval operations and we are delighted to be pioneering an innovative system that will deliver world-leading capability for the Royal Navy. The operational requirements exceed those of any system currently in use with any navy in the world. The ability to move heavier loads, quickly and safely will be essential for the future of the Fleet.”
The demonstrator will be built at the Royal Navy’s primary training facility at HMS Raleigh, near Plymouth. It will be used to train operators of all Royal Navy surface ships in a realistic operating environment.
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