MAN Supplying Propeller Equipment For 5 Frigates

MAN Energy Solutions will supply propeller equipment for five general-purpose frigates to be constructed by Babcock International Group.

Each 138.7-m twin-screw vessel, rated at more than 16 000 kW pr. shaftline, will be equipped with MAN Alpha VBS Mk 5 CP propeller systems, and all related equipment.

The new vessels will feature a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, integrating four diesel engines (twin in – single out), two CP propellers and two asymmetric shaft lines. The installed power plant will have the capacity to produce a maximum power of over 32 000 kW.

The propulsion system is designed to help ensure a low underwater-radiated noise (URN) signature and will comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III regulations. It will also enable each vessel to attain a maximum speed of more than 25+ knots.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems will provide MTU main diesel engines and diesel generators manufactured in Germany.

The propeller configuration will be designed and supplied out of MAN Energy Solutions’ design and production facilities at Frederikshavn, Denmark.

Construction of the vessels will take place at Babcock´s Rosyth, Scotland-based yard. The design of the Type 31 is based on Odense Maritime Technology’s (OMT) industry- ‘Iver Huitfeldt class’ hull form, which is currently in service with the Royal Danish Navy.

“We are well-known in the naval segment but securing this frigate contract, along with our ability to comply with the Royal Navy’s comprehensive naval requirements, allows us to further showcase our expertise,” said Poul Knudsgaard, Head of MAN PrimeServ Four-Stroke Denmark, MAN Energy Solutions Site Frederikshavn. “The complexity and strict performance criteria demanded by this order make it an excellent reference for MAN Energy Solutions.”

The Arrowhead 140 was the preferred design for the Type 31 frigate program announced in September 2019. The first Type 31 frigate is scheduled to be in the water in 2023. The Arrowhead 140 is a general-purpose, light frigate developed by Team 31, led by Babcock International as prime for the Type 31 program, comprising Thales UK, BMT and OMT.

Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 solution provides the Royal Navy a new class of ship with proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities.