Rolls-Royce’s automation solutions picked for German Navy’s F126 frigates

Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, has been contracted to deliver the automation solutions for the four new F126 frigates for the German Navy. 

Under the contract, the company will provide an integrated platform management system (IPMS) and a condition monitoring system (CMS). For this solution, Rolls-Royce will deliver its mtu NautIQ Master and mtu NautIQ Foresight products. The fire alarm, personnel locator and CCTV systems are also part of the contract. 

This is the first naval order for mtu NautIQ products since Rolls-Royce launched its extended automation solutions portfolio, which now combines mtu and Servowatch technologies under one brand. mtu Rolls-Royce acquired Servowatch, a supplier of integrated marine automation solutions, in 2020. 

“This order is a significant milestone for our proven and newly renamed mtu NautIQ automation solutions portfolio. It proves that our strategy of delivering solutions from bridge to propeller is the correct path. We are the only engine manufacturer in the world that can also supply the automation platform to monitor and control the entire ship,” Knut Müller, Vice President Global Governmental at Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems, said.

The company signed the contract with the main contractor Damen Naval on 21 January 2022. 

Damen and Rolls-Royce have a long-standing cooperation in shipbuilding. Among other projects, Rolls-Royce supplied the diesel engines for the joint support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman, used by both the Royal Netherlands and German navies, and the support and research vessel Nuyina, which Damen delivered to the Australian Antarctic Division in August. 

Damen Naval is building the four F126 class frigates together with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales, after the partners were selected as successful bidders in 2020 following a European tender process spanning several years.

The first ship is expected to be delivered to the German Navy in Hamburg in 2028. All building work will be carried out in German shipyards in Hamburg, Kiel and Wolgast.