GE supplies first hybrid CODAG package to Italian OPV

The vessel features a combined diesel and gas turbine plant (CODAG) with a 35.3MW LM2500+G4 gas turbine, as well as two conventional engines. The gas turbine package was designed by Avio Aero, a GE Aviation business headquartered in Italy.

The vessel also includes the first installation of a battery hybrid system on a Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) for the Italian Navy. The package includes shock-proof MV3000 drives and motors, electrical system integration, energy-efficient PTO/PTI (power take-off/in) and 2000kW shore power connection functionality. GE Power Conversion acted as the system integrator, in cooperation with Fincantieri.

The ship’s flexible hybrid propulsion plant features small gearbox mounted-motors for low-speed operations, in addition to the diesel engines and the gas turbine.

“A total of seven PPA ships will be built by Fincantieri by 2026, and GE has a contract to provide seven LM2500+G4 gas turbines,” said Mike Reale, Acting Vice President, General Manager, GE Marine, Evendale, Ohio.

“The LM2500+G4, with an ISO rating of 35.3 MW and United States Navy rating of 30.3 MW, has found success in the naval market thanks to its selection to power 20 French and Italian FREMM ships and the seven Italian PPA’s. There is interest in the U.S. and abroad in propulsion and generator set applications that rely on the LM2500+G4’s best-in-class power density that is improved with the use of GE’s new fully-shock-qualified, lightweight composite gas turbine module.”

The 133m vessel will be able to reach speeds of more than 31 knots.