UK: Rolls-Royce Creates Dedicated Team Focused on Naval Ship Design

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has broadened its capability in ship design with the establishment of a new team dedicated to the development of naval ship designs.

Rolls-Royce has been at the forefront of innovative ship design for nearly 40 years, designing over 800 vessels, used mainly in the commercial sector.

This new team will develop vessels for customers such as navies, coast guards and other maritime agencies. The new designs, which include variants of the award winning Environship merchant ship concept, will leverage innovative and cost effective technologies from commercial Rolls-Royce ship designs and products, adapted and integrated for the specific requirements of naval operations.

Garry Mills, Rolls-Royce, Chief of Naval Ship Design, said: “There has been a growing trend for commercial marine technology to cross over into the naval market, delivering cost reduction and proven capability. Governmental customers are looking for cost effective and innovative ships and with Rolls-Royce already hugely experienced in ship design, coupled to the world’s largest marine product portfolio, we can offer integrated ‘whole ship’ solutions suited to the demanding roles of the world’s navies.

“Naval vessels typically involve the integration of many disparate and complex technologies, into what tend to be unique ships. We have some exciting designs under development, bringing together world leading capability in propulsion, control systems and deck machinery into advanced hull forms.”

One of the Rolls-Royce designs includes a replenishment ship for refueling and supplying naval fleets and is available in the 9,000 to 25,000 deadweight tonne range. The design is based on the Rolls-Royce Environship concept, featuring a wave piercing bow and hybrid electric propulsion system which increases operation efficiency while reducing fuel consumption.

The design team will focus on offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), survey ships and support vessels, rather than combatant ships such as frigates and destroyers.

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Naval Today Staff,October 26, 2012; Image: Rolls-Royce