Rolls-Royce wins £96m RN contract

Rolls said the order was an important milestone in its marine business strategy of being a major supplier of integrated power and propulsion systems for naval and commercial ships. The company is supplying the powerful MT30 gas turbine 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. R-R’s John Paterson the contract was the third major naval programme to be powered by the MT30, as the engine had 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. The UK’s Future Aircraft Carriers are being constructed by the Aircraft Carrier Allicance (ACA), consisting of Thales UK, BAE Systems, BVT Surface Fleet, Babcock Marine and Ministry of Defence, which acts as both participant and client.