Rolls-Royce to supply Marine systems in £12 million deal

Rolls-Royce, a world leader in marine systems, has won a £12 million order to supply fuel-efficient manoeuvrability systems for four new cement carrying vessels. The vessels, due for delivery in 2011 and 2012, are the latest generation of this type of ship.

The four 16,800 dwt vessels will be operated by the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Group (KGJS). The order includes the Promas integrated propeller and rudder system, steering gear, tunnel thrusters and deck machinery. The system also includes switchboards, automation systems and an integrated bridge. The Promas can increase propulsive efficiency by 4 to 6% with improved manoeuvrability at high and low speeds.

Geir Bjørkeli, Director of Systems Sales – Merchant, Rolls-Royce, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer KGJS a system that will deliver greater benefits in terms of quality, performance and environmental impact. Customers are choosing this complete system package which integrates our full range of products on board.”

Jan A. Berntzen, Vice President, Projects at KGJS, said: “Having assessed the cost versus performance of the Rolls-Royce offering, we decided to go for a system solution for this project rather than our usual approach of buying individual products.”

“We were looking for a solution to reduce fuel consumption and we are keen to try new technology. The fact that Rolls-Royce has the overall responsibility for design, manufacturing and commissioning of a large marine equipment system was a clear benefit for us. We expect this will create good synergies both during the construction and operation of the vessels.”

The vessels are being built at the Vinashin Group’s Ben Kien shipyard in Hai Phong, Vietnam.