GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business has been awarded a contract to supply its electric grid with integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) equipment for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s six-ship Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) program.
As disclosed, the contract was awarded by Singapore shipbuilder ST Engineering Marine. GE Vernova’s Ship’s Electric Grid delivers the electrical power required by the ship’s propulsion and energizes its operational and mission systems, such as radar and communications.
The system has the ability to share electric power with any load on the ship’s power network. The solution includes all generators, medium-voltage switchboards, transformers, propulsion variable frequency drives (VFDs), electric propulsion motors, thruster motors, soft starters, a shore power connection, power management system (PMS), and the propulsion control system (PCS).
The six MRCVs will be the first IFEP-powered vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy and will replace its fleet of mechanical-drive Victory-class missile corvettes, which have been in service since 1989. Delivery of the electric propulsion systems for the new ships is planned over the next 10 years.
The modular platform design of the RSN’s new MRCVs allows for different naval missions requiring electric power. This includes the ability to host unmanned air and surface vehicles, which will expand the area of each vessel’s surveillance capability, according to the company.
“Power Conversion is pleased to equip the RSN’s new MRCVs with electric power. Like so many other navies around the world, the RSN is adopting an electric ship configuration as an enabler for increased levels of power and energy-efficiency. Being equipped with an electric grid allows a ship the ability to share every bit of available power throughout the vessel, strengthening its energy surety and even helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ,” Andy Cooper , General Manager at GE Vernova’s Power Conversion UK business, said.
GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business powers the majority of the UK Royal Navy’s large vessel fleet, including Queen Elizabeth Class, Type 45 and Type 26 vessels, as well as many other global naval programs.