GE’s Marine Solutions announced that it has delivered its electrical power and propulsion system to the U.K. Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA) fleet of four Tide class Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) tankers.
The tankers are set to deliver fuel and water to Royal Navy vessels around the world.
GE’s electric motor will provide power to the propellers in addition to the propulsion diesel engine, which is used when higher speeds are needed.
It will also have the ability to harness the power from the engine shaft to generate electricity and power the electric equipment on board when the tanker operates at moderate or low speeds, according to GE’s statement.
The vessel will use a propulsion motor which is expected to save fuel, reduce emissions and reduce maintenance costs of the main engines since the generating sets are running to meet other electrical needs on the vessel, GE announced.
GE will also be responsible for the commissioning of the GE-supplied equipment and training to the RFA for the switchboards and drives at its world-class Marine Power Test Facility in the U.K.
“Similar to the hybrid and electric cars, we have seen an increase in the number of the world’s navies using hybrid propulsion systems for enhanced fuel efficiency, and GE pioneered this innovation starting in the ’90s. In the very near future, navy operations will also be enhanced through our digital solutions. Driven by data, navies will be able to make more informed decisions, reduce excessive maintenance and predict failure before it occurs, staying mission-ready,” noted Azeez Mohammed, president & CEO, GE’s Power Conversion business.