The FFM programme continues at a pace with the commissioning of the MT30 in JS Mogami now well underway ahead of her imminent sea trials. Rolls-Royce has currently delivered five MT30 engines for the Mogami-class programme to KHI and is contracted to deliver a further three engines over the next year. KHI is responsible for manufacturing the specialised compact gas turbine enclosure at its Kobe works and conducting the shore trials prior to delivery to the shipyards.
The 22-ship Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF are initially intended to replace the Abukuma-class frigates and Asagiri-class destroyers, both powered by the Rolls-Royce Marine Spey. The introduction of MT30 into the JMSDF future fleet continues the strong relationship between Rolls-Royce, KHI and JMSDF.
The MT30 is the world’s most power-dense marine gas turbine in service today. Designed for 21st century platforms, it entered service with the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship in 2008. Since then, in just over a decade, it has gone on to be selected for 11 of the world’s next generation naval programmes and become fondly referred to as the “Mighty” MT30 amongst parts of the naval community.
You can learn more about MT30 here