Turkish Naval Forces’ new replenishment ship to feature GE Marine gas turbines

Ohio-based GE Marine has received a contract from Turkish Sefine Shipyard to provide two LM2500 marine gas turbines to power the Turkish Naval Forces’ new fleet replenishment ship scheduled to enter service in 2023.

Known as the DIMDEG project, this new-generation ship will satisfy the fuel, water transport and supply needs of Turkey’s surface combatants in the open seas around the world. Once completed, it will have a length of 190 meters, a width of 7.2 meters and a displacement of 22,000 tons.

“The LM2500 is GE’s most popular marine gas turbine and we are excited it was selected for the DIMDEG project,” Kris Shepherd, Vice President, General Manager, GE Marine, commented.

“The powerful LM2500 brings quick start capabilities, easy on-board maintenance, and an outstanding worldwide fleet performance of greater than 99% reliability and more than 98% availability.”

GE has long been a trusted supplier to the Turkish Naval Forces. All four of Turkey’s Ada-class MILGEM multipurpose corvettes are powered by a GE LM2500 and two diesel engines in a combined diesel and gas turbine configuration. Total propulsion power is 31,000 kilowatts, allowing each ship to reach maximum speed in excess of 29 knots. Each corvette has an overall length of 99 meters with a displacement of 2,300 tons.

Additionally, 24 LM2500s operate aboard the Turkish Navy’s Barbaros- and Gabya-class frigates.

The LM2500 marine gas turbine is a simple-cycle, two-shaft, high-performance engine. Derived from GE’s CF6-6 aircraft engines, the LM2500 consists of a gas generator, a power turbine, attached fuel and lube oil pumps, a fuel control and speed governing system, associated inlet and exhaust sections, lube and scavenge systems as well as controls and devices for starting and monitoring engine operation. Possible applications for the LM2500 include patrol boats, corvettes, frigates, destroyers, cruisers, cargo/auxiliary ships and aircraft carriers.