HMNZS AOTEAROA

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HMNZS AOTEAROA

Supplying and Integrating the Hybrid Electric Power & Propulsion System for New Zealand’s Largest Vessel

HMNZS AOTEAROA, the largest vessel ever built for the Royal New Zealand Navy with a displacement of 26,000 tonnes, is now entering service. Her primary duties will be to provide global logistical support to her sovereign and coalition maritime, land and air units. From inception through to entry into service, Rolls-Royce has been intrinsically involved with the programme, specifically the vessel concept design and the hybrid electric propulsion system delivery.

Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, the Polar-class Logistics Support Ship has been designed and built with specialised winterisation capabilities for her operations in Antarctica. This ship is based on a Rolls-Royce concept design, and features an innovative wave-piercing hull – it’s the first time this hull design has been implemented in the naval sector. Thanks to its bow shape, the ship has a particularly low water resistance offering several advantages; the operator saves fuel which in turn reduces emissions, making the ship more manoeuvrable and offering greater seaworthiness.

MTU Series 4000 diesel generator

HMNZS AOTEAROA’s entry into service represents a significant and proud milestone for Rolls-Royce. In addition to the unique naval hull form design, Rolls-Royce had a pivotal role to play in the supply and integration of the advanced hybrid electric power and propulsion system.

Drawing from its world-leading range of power and propulsion equipment, this programme has become a showcase for Rolls-Royce’s first naval hybrid electrical system.

The Rolls-Royce Power & Propulsion System arrangement is illustrated below.

The electrical power generation comprises four MTU Series 4000 diesel generators supplying the 690V main switchboards and controlled by the Electrical Power Management System. The switchboards distribute electrical power to the active front end drives for the propulsion motors and bow thruster, all of which are supplied and integrated by Rolls-Royce. The main propulsion engines also come from Rolls-Royce in the shape of two Bergen B33:45L9P engines.

With a world-renowned naval power and propulsion pedigree, Rolls-Royce’s involvement also extended to undertaking the critical engineering activities for integration of the Power Generation and Propulsion sub-systems; a challenge that would see Rolls-Royce integrating the electrical system to support the high power generation capacity required for an ice-class ship. This was critical in ensuring the ship’s missions could be sustained in the cold seas around the Antarctic during the summer months (December to March). HMNZS AOTEAROA’s predecessor ship, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, was not capable of doing this.

Rolls-Royce designed a hybrid-electric propulsion system solution that will provide the Royal New Zealand Navy with an optimised and flexible power plant featuring numerous fuel saving operating modes. The ability to propel the ship using the electrical power through the MTU Diesel Generators whilst simultaneously powering the ship’s hotel services (eg lighting, pumps etc), and mission systems means that the vessel’s fuel consumption is significantly reduced and emissions are minimised. The MTU systems also make an important contribution to the environmental compatibility of the ship as they meet the strict IMO III emission guidelines with the aid of a Selective Catalytic Reduction system. An additional benefit of this hybrid-electric system is that maintenance costs are reduced in contrast to a mechanically powered warship.

Lee Skelton, Programme Manager has been responsible for coordinating the delivery of the programme for Rolls-Royce. Lee said, “This has been one of the most exhilarating programmes I have worked on in my career. It has seen Rolls-Royce bring together suppliers both from inside and outside of Rolls-Royce, from across Europe and Asia, to deliver all the elements of this integrated solution.

“Just as we neared the end of the programme, the emergence of COVID-19 coincided with the final critical delivery phase. Whilst adding significant challenges, it didn’t deter us from ensuring the delivery of an incredibly capable vessel, on time, which is every Programme Manager’s ultimate ambition.

“I am certain that the experience we’ve gained from this programme can be positively leveraged to ensure that the on-going support from our local team will deliver additional benefits to HHI’s EMD division in support of the FFX Batch II programme (Daegu-class frigates) where HHI-EMD has designed, manufactured and will provide some in-service support responsibilities for the specialised integrated enclosure for our MT30 marine gas turbine.

“Seeing HMNZS AOTEAROA enter service is a proud moment for many, including the Rolls-Royce team as we reflect on our significant contribution in bringing this ship to sea.

Looking to the future, as HMNZS AOTEAROA commences her operational service, there is a possibility that Rolls-Royce’s involvement could continue in the form of providing through-life sustainment. Rolls-Royce Australia has extensive experience in providing sustainment services to naval customers throughout the region, particularly new vessels entering their operational phase.

“However, for now, on behalf of Rolls-Royce, I wish the crew of HMNZS AOTEAROA “fair winds and following seas” as they embark on their future operations.”

Note:
The original contract award to Rolls-Royce also included the supply of the Replenishment at Sea system, Steering Gear, Rudder, Kamewa Propellers and Bow Thruster. This equipment was transferred to Kongsberg following the sale of the Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine portfolio.