Connecting technologies for the ferry market

Connecting technologies

“Innovation at Rolls-Royce means connecting products and technologies to emerging customer problems in order to provide enhanced operational capability at reduced cost,” says Richard Partridge, Rolls-Royce Chief Engineer Naval Systems and Ship Design who has responsibility for innovation for the company’s Naval Business. 

MT30 in a compact package

Unprecedented levels of power density have been achieved by reducing the size of the enclosure (the footprint) and increasing the power output available, which is enabling hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion using a single gas turbine to become feasible for smaller (frigate-sized) naval platforms for the first time, providing the associated operational capability and cost of ownership benefits.

Orders for the MT30 Compact Package have been secured for South Korea’s FFXII Daegu class frigate as well as both the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme and the Italian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock. The MT30 Compact Package is also under consideration for many other programmes across the world including Canada, Japan, Finland and Australia. 

 The MT30 is not the only example of an innovative marinised naval gas turbine in the Rolls-Royce portfolio.  The AG9160 built in Rolls-Royce’s Indianapolis plant will  enhance the operational capability of the US Navy’s DDG51 Flight Three Class.   The AG9160 gas turbine generator set will provide 4MW at High Voltage powering the electrical demand for the vessels’ ship’s service load including advanced weapons and sensors. .

Our Autocrossing system simplifies the ferry operation and cuts the energy consumption per trip to the minimum, at the same time documenting both performance and energy consumption. It also helps to improve operating safety.

“Innovation at Rolls-Royce means connecting products and technologies to emerging customer problems in order to provide enhanced operational capability at reduced cost.” 

Jann Peter Strand, Rolls-Royce Product Manager, Automation & Control
Richard Partridge
Chief Engineer Naval Systems & Ship Design, Rolls-Royce

Power where it matters

Another Rolls-Royce development is its SAVe CHARGE system, one of a range of energy storage solutions from the company aimed at different types of vessel and their specialised needs.

The company’s expertise has also supplied the power system for the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s first hybrid vessel, the 44-metre OV Bøkfjord, used primarily for the building, operation and maintenance of lighthouses and other seamarks.

Another Rolls-Royce development is its SAVe CHARGE system, one of a range of energy storage solutions from the company aimed at different types of vessel and their specialised needs.

The Bøkfjord is equipped with an 850 kWh battery pack in addition to a traditional propulsion system comprising three diesel-powered electrical generators.

“We have a strong belief in the future of batteries and electricity. Our experience in all aspects of ship design and construction means we can help customers identify the optimum combination of technologies to use in order to reduce emissions and achieve improved performance and fuel economy.”

John Roger Nesje, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Power Electric Systems – Marine
John Roger Nesje
Vice President, Power Electric Systems

How can we help you?

Marine on Flickr 

    /media/our-stories/discover/2017/connecting-technologies/fwcontentwrapper/marine-on-flickr.aspx
    Discoverfutureferry2017

    Discover more

    Optimising ferries for battery power

    Crossing the divide

    Leading the charge

    Load more
    More about: