Rolls-Royce to deliver gen-sets to German Navy

Damen Naval is the main contractor for the construction of the four new F126 frigates for the German Navy. The vessels will be built entirely in Germany and the first is expected to be delivered in 2028. (Photo: Damen Naval)

Damen Naval and Rolls-Royce Power Systems have signed a contract to deliver 16 mtu diesel generator sets, for the four new F126 Frigates for the German Navy. Although Daman and Rolls-Royce Power Systems have a longstanding cooperation in shipbuilding, this is the first time a contract has been awarded for mtu naval diesel generator sets.

The propulsion engines for will be supplied by MAN Energy Solutions. The company will deliver eight MAN 32/44CR marine diesel propulsion engines, two for each of the four contracted frigates. An option exists for two further frigates, MAN Energy Solutions said.

“We are very pleased to partner with Damen on this prestigious F126 project for the German Navy,” said Benjamin Andres, head of Medium & High Speed, MAN Energy Solutions. “The MAN 32/44CR’s robust design is proven across many demanding applications and I’m very happy to see it chosen again for such an exciting project.”

According to Managing Director of Damen Naval, Hein van Ameijden, the selection of the mtu gen-sets was based on Rolls-Royce’s high-end naval-oriented mtu solutions and experience on the high-end naval market. “We are delighted to announce the news of this contract and the fact we have found another German partner for this prestigious and important project for the Bundeswehr,” van Ameijden said. “We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce and its mtu solutions again.”

Rolls-Royce will deliver mtu Series 4000 gen-sets similar to the one pictured for the F126 frigates, bedded on specialist mounts and surrounded by an acoustic enclosure. (Photo: Rolls-Royce)

The onboard power of each F126 frigate will be provided by four mtu Series 4000 variable speed gen-sets. The agreement also includes an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. It is the second F126 contract awarded to Rolls-Royce as earlier this year Damen Naval chose the company to supply the automation solutions mtu NautIQ Master and mtu NautIQ Foresight.

“The biggest advantage of the variable speed generator set is reduction of fuel consumption at part load operation,“ said van Ameijden. “For Damen Naval it is the first time that variable speed generator sets are applied on naval vessels in combination with a dc grid. We expect that this type of configuration will be the new standard in high-end naval applications.”

With this contract, Rolls-Royce continues its decades-long cooperation with the German Navy. Vessels such as the predecessor frigate classes F124 and F125 as well as the corvettes K130 are equipped with mtu engines and diesel generator sets from Rolls-Royce. The diesel generator sets will provide electrical power to the F126’s combined diesel electric and diesel (CODLAD) propulsion system. The CODLAD propulsion system provides a top speed of more than 26 knots. The first diesel generator sets will be delivered early 2024 to the yard.

In June 2020, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded the construction contract for the four F126 frigates to Dutch shipbuilder Daman as the general contractor with its sub-contractors Blohm+Voss and Thales. The ships will be constructed entirely in Germany at shipyards in Wolgast, Kiel and Hamburg. The first ship will be handed over in Hamburg in 2028. The contract includes an option for two further frigates.