Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply the world’s first twin MT30-powered hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion system to power Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV), a Japanese destroyer programme.
The unique power density of the MT30 GT will ensure ship performance is not compromised and will meet the top ship speed requirements associated with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers. Other benefits of this latest generation marine gas turbine technology include ultra-low on-board maintenance compared to legacy engines, facilitating crew reductions such as allowing for a smaller engineering department.
Sam Cameron, Rolls-Royce senior vice president – Defence, said: “Having previously been selected to power the JMSDF fleet, we are delighted that the MT30 has once again been chosen to power the country’s vessels further reinforcing our long and successful history with Japan. Rolls-Royce continues to be at the forefront of naval propulsion technology and we are proud to be providing the world’s first twin-MT30 hybrid arrangement to power Japan’s destroyer programme.
“MT30 is powering many of the world’s most advanced platforms — including the FFM frigate programme — due to its power and propulsion providing ship builders and system designers with new options, choices and the ability to futureproof. We look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with Japan and grow the footprint of the MT30 globally.”
KHI will build, assemble and test the MT30 into what is referred to as the ‘compact package engine enclosure’ and will also conduct tests on the whole of the propulsion system. The MT30 is the world’s most power-dense marine gas turbine in service, providing high power in a minimum space, while meeting the operation power demand of the future. The MT30 is operating or has been selected for all conceivable propulsion arrangements — mechanical, hybrid and integrated-electric, with power delivered to water-jets, controllable and fixed-pitch propellers, depending on application.
Regionally, the MT30 also supports South Korea’s Daegu-class and Ulsan-class frigates as well as Australia’s Hunter-class frigates, with its benefits being used in the Pacific Region in the USA. Our aim is that within the next decade, it will become the dominant engine of choice across the Pacific Rim — a testament not only to the ongoing performance of the engine but the strong collaboration and experience that helped enable its success.