GE Vernova to provide hybrid-electric propulsion package for auxiliaries

The consortium, Team Resolute, comprises Spanish shipbuilder and defense company Navantia, shipbuilder Harland & Wolff and naval architects BMT. The prime contractor on the FSS programme, is Navantia’s local subsidiary, Navantia UK.

The scope of the hybrid contract includes GE Vernova’s the design and supply of SeaPulse Active Front-End (AFE) power converters and Power Take-Off/Power Take-In (PTI/PTO) hybrid electric induction motors. The scope of GE Vernova’s contract also includes commissioning, testing, sea trials, certification, and integrated logistics support (ILS) services to help ensure the seamless integration of the hybrid-electric propulsion technology into the FSS ships.

The solution is expected to bring optimised energy efficiency, power utilisation, and power availability for the new ship class and their multirole missions.

The 216 metre-long ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) will also be designed to be adaptable to use low-carbon, non-fossil fuels and future sustainable energy sources.

The contract with GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business reflects its proven UK engineering skills and strengthens the position of its UK business as the company’s global Centre of Excellence for naval electric power and propulsion systems.

“The selection of suppliers for FSS ships’ key equipment, such as propulsion technology, is a clear indication that the program is well on track and is aligned with the timetable required by the UK MOD”, said Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK.

“GE Vernova’s rich background in naval engineering, exemplified by its contributions to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Tide Class fleet tankers, establishes the business as a reliable partner for this important program”, said Andy Cooper, managing director of GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, UK. 

Delivery of GE Vernova’s electric propulsion equipment for the first FSS ship is scheduled for 2025, with the second and third vessels planned for 2026 and 2027.