DCN and Rolls-Royce sign naval propulsion agreement

Thursday, 17 April 2003

A partnering agreement to offer naval marine propulsion expertise to UK, French and export markets has been signed by DCN and Rolls-Royce.

The partnership enables DCN's naval shipbuilding and propulsion design expertise to be combined with Rolls-Royce's extensive propulsion systems and equipment portfolio. Turnkey propulsion system packages, including design, manufacture, integration, commissioning and through-life logistics support, can be offered.

DCN and Rolls-Royce are partners in WR-21, the advanced cycle gas turbine chosen for the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer programme, for which DCN is building the enclosures and conducting the factory testing at its Indret facility. WR-21 is one of several gas turbines being considered for the European frigate programme.

Saul Lanyado, Rolls-Royce President Marine, said: "This agreement will allow the partners to offer a far greater range of services and expertise than they could do on their own. As a result, customers can look to this partnership to provide naval propulsion technology that will reduce business risk and enhance operational performance."

Under the agreement, a range of propulsion solutions can be offered to the naval marine market, including diesel engines and gas turbines in various full electric, mechanical and hybrid system configurations with a choice of shaftlines, bearings, propulsors, transmission and electrical equipment.

DCN has a licence agreement to manufacture Rolls-Royce Kamewa controllable pitch propeller equipment. This has allowed DCN and Rolls-Royce to jointly provide the shaft lines and controllable pitch propellers for the Saudi Arabian (SAWARI) and Singapore (DELTA) export frigates being built at DCN Lorient.