September 11, 2003

Major naval orders for Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce has won two naval marine contracts, worth up to £110 million (about $176 million), to power submarines and support Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. The company will supply two long-life reactor cores, worth £60 million ($96 million), for Royal Navy Vanguard-class submarines in a contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence. This core type is designed to operate throughout a submarine's service life without the need to refuel and will also power the new Astute class of submarines currently under construction.

The Ministry also has an option for Rolls-Royce to provide a core, worth over £20 million ($32 million), to a different design for a Trafalgar-class submarine.

Rolls-Royce has also won a long-term contract from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to support 20 ships, worth a potential £30 million ($48 million) over ten years.

The contract, fixed for five years with options for a further five, covers spares and services supply, and training for all Rolls-Royce equipment on the ships, including main propulsion and auxiliary diesel engines, stabilizers, replenishment and deck equipment, propellers and bearings.

Saul Lanyado, Rolls-Royce President--Marine, said: "Our first reactor core was delivered 40 years ago, and this contract continues a relationship based on engineering excellence and continued innovation. The RFA contract is further example of our commitment to long-term support contracts which help our customers plan out their requirements and reduce ownership costs."