MAN to supply propulsion package for UK Navy

The German company will provide twelve V32/44CR propulsion engines, capable of conversion to green methanol at a later date, six L32/44CR generator sets, selective catalytic reduction for each engine, and three twin-screw Alpha CP propellers and plant auxiliaries. It will also supply systems required by naval vessels, including shock resistance; cyber security; nuclear, biological, chemical protection; and integrated logistics support.

The FSS ships will carry out the underway replenishment of dry stores for Royal Navy ships. They will operate around the world, fulfilling other functions including anti-piracy and terrorism missions. MAN has worked with the UK’s Defence Ministry and Royal Navy before, supplying engines for Type 23 frigates, a Fort Victoria replenishment vessel, and Trafalgar-class submarines.

Navantia UK is the prime contractor, BMT Group is providing expertise in advanced naval design, and it is currently envisaged that the ships will be built by Navantia and Harland & Wolff. However, the Belfast shipbuilder is in financial difficulty, with its shares suspended in July following a failure to publish audited results on time. Since then, senior personnel have left the business, including the CEO in July and the CFO earlier this week.

Commenting on the three-ship deal, MAN Energy Solutions’ head of naval sales, Andreas Junginger, said:  “Navantia is a highly reputable and important partner for navies around the world and we are proud to be chosen to participate in this significant FSS programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.”