Dutch naval contract for Converteam

This ship is a multi-functional platform for maritime support, strategic sea lift and sea-based missions in open ocean and littoral waters, to be built at Damen shipyards, scheduled for delivery in July 2014.

Converteam will design and supply an optimised electric power and propulsion system. The integrated electrical package includes power generation (25,000kW in total) and distribution, main electric propulsion with two slow-speed induction motors rated at 8,900kW each, thruster electric systems and an energy management system. This solution offers main advantages such as high efficiency, low noise and vibration levels, operating flexibility, increased availability and cost savings. Converteam claims that this solution contributes to reducing exhaust emissions, therefore minimising ecological footprint.

Jean-Philippe Chaignot, marine sales director at Converteam, underlines the importance of this new order: “Thanks to its in-house total solution approach, Converteam could offer an integrated full electric package and has optimized, together with Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, the integrated vessel energy plant solution with a view to making substantial operating gains. We are extremely proud that the Royal Netherlands Navy has chosen Converteam for its new joint support ship programme”.

Converteam says that it has gained many orders in the naval sector over the years for electric power and propulsion and vessel control systems. The company has supplied the Royal Navy, US Navy, French Navy, Korean Navy, and Australian Navy, offering solutions ranging from feasibility studies to full turnkey solutions and long term maintenance contracts.