Bangkok--16 Jan--Hill & Knowlton Thailand
Rolls-Royce, a world leader in marine solutions, has won a ?96 million contract to provide power and propulsion equipment, including four gas turbines, for two of the world's largest warships - the UK’s new 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
The order is an important milestone in the Rolls-Royce marine business strategy of being a major supplier of integrated power and propulsion systems for naval and commercial ships.
Rolls-Royce is supplying the MT30 gas turbine, the most powerful available in the marine market today, as part of an integrated system which includes the giant carrier’s propellers and propeller shafts as well as rudders, stabilisers and some electrical systems.
John Paterson, Rolls-Royce President - Marine said: "The contract is recognition of our ability to supply a wide range of power and propulsion equipment as part of a fully integrated system. The contract is the third major naval programme to be powered by the MT30, as the engine has already been selected for the Lockheed Martin version of the Littoral Combat Ship and DDG-1000 destroyer, both for the U.S. Navy.”
Rolls-Royce is supplying the equipment as part of a ‘sub-alliance’ team that has overall responsibility for delivery of the entire power and propulsion system. The contract has been awarded by the carrier main alliance partner, Thales UK.
Rolls-Royce is also discussing future equipment support options for the two ships, which are due to go into service in 2014 and 2016. The MT30 gas turbines will be assembled and tested in Bristol and delivered in 2011-2013.
In Thailand, Rolls-Royce continues to strengthen the relationship with the Royal Thai Navy that dates back to 1973 with the commission of the Navy’s first multipurpose frigate, HTMS Makut Rajakumarn. Rolls-Royce equipment on board includes an Olympus Marine Gas Turbine, a Rolls-Royce built Crossley-Pielstick diesel engine as well as stabilisers, propulsion bearings and controllable pitch propellers. In early 2009, some Kamewa Waterjets will go into service on Royal Thai Navy Fast Patrol Boats."
For further information, please contact:
Tawn Chatchavalvong or Saransri Prawatpattanakul
Hill & Knowlton Thailand
Tel: + 66 (0)2 627 3501 ext. 118 or 208
Email: [email protected], [email protected]