PRESS RELEASE Naval Solutions

Rolls-Royce seals major contract covering complete mtu propulsion systems for Royal Navy Type 31 frigates

Posted on May 29, 2020

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  • Delivery scope: 20 main propulsion engines and 20 on-board generator sets, Callosum marine automation and integrated logistic support
  • mtu propulsion solutions from Rolls-Royce now feature in almost all current and future Royal Navy vessels

Rolls-Royce is to supply complete mtu propulsion systems for five new Type 31 general-purpose frigates for the Royal Navy. In total, the order comprises of 40 engines and generator sets to be used for main propulsion and on-board power generation, the mtu Callosum propulsion control and monitoring system, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). Each new frigate will be powered by four mtu 20V 8000 M71 engines, each delivering over 8,000 kW. On-board power will be provided on each vessel by four mtu generator sets based on 16V 2000 M41B units, each delivering in excess of 900 kW. In September 2021, Rolls-Royce will deliver the first shipset comprising four main propulsion engines and four generator sets to prime contractor Babcock International Group. Integrated Logistics Support for propulsion and onboard power systems will ensure efficient and cost-effective maintenance throughout their entire service life. It is expected that the mtu Callosum propulsion control and monitoring system will be officially added to the supply contract very shortly.  

Sean Donaldson, Managing Director for Energy & Marine at Babcock International, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rolls-Royce with its mtu solutions as a supplier to our Type 31 Programme. Its engines and on-board generator sets are already proving their mettle in numerous comparable vessels worldwide.”

Knut Müller, Vice President Marine & Defense at Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems, said: “We’re very proud of the fact that Babcock International Group has opted for mtu propulsion and on-board power solutions on this highly significant project. mtu products now feature in almost all current and future projects of the Royal Navy. That is impressive proof of the trust our British partners place in us and of the reliability and flexibility of our products.”

The Royal Navy relies on Rolls-Royce propulsion solutions across its surface and submarine fleets. mtu Series 2000, 4000, 8000 and 396 units will feature in future in most Royal Navy warships – in destroyers (Type 45), all frigate classes (Type 23, 26, 31) and submarines (Astute class).

Press photos are available for download from Media Center.

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

  1. Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
  2. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,000 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, power generation, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry as well as diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. Medium-speed engines from Bergen power ships and power generation applications.
  3. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
  4. Annual underlying revenue was £15.3 billion in 2019, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services.
  5. In 2019, Rolls-Royce invested £1.45 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.
  6. The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills.
Rolf Behrens Spokesman Trade Media Mobile Power Solutions
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