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Italian Navy PPA patrol vessels to have MTU engines

Written by Nick Blenkey
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OCTOBER 5, 2016 — Rolls-Royce Power Systems is to supply 14 of its highest-power MTU diesel engines to seven new multi-purpose ocean-going patrol vessels being built for the Italian Navy by shipbuilder Fincantieri.

The PPA (Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura) form part of the Italian Navy’s Fleet renewal plan.

The MTU type 20V 8000 M91L engines each produce 10,000 kW of power and are to be shipped from 2017 onwards.

This will be the first time MTU engines have been used in newly-designed surface vessels operated by the Italian Navy. MTU will also be providing servicing for the engines. T

Knut Müller, Head of Marine and Government Business at MTU, said: “We’re delighted to be supplying to Fincantieri, a major player in the shipbuilding arena, our highest-powered MTU engines for this prestige project for the Italian Navy. The order demonstrates once again that Series 8000 engines are really setting the standards in this segment with their high-power density, low emissions and demonstrated economy.” Series 8000 engines are the top-selling propulsion engines in their power class for naval vessels.

The PPA class vessels are intended to be the future backbone of the Italian Navy, replacing patrol boats, corvettes and frigates. With their new, multi-module design, the vessels are able to undertake a wide variety of tasks and missions. These include both traditional naval activities and also humanitarian assignments for which the vessels will be equipped with modular shelters acting as hospital units, as well as being able to supply electricity and drinking water to shore.

The ships will have a gas turbine hybrid electric propulsion that will feature small gearbox mounted-motors for low speed operations, two MTU propulsion diesels for mid-speed service and a GE LM2500+G4 gas turbine to reach more than 32 knots

The two MTU diesel engines will bw able to power the vessels above 24 knots in diesel mode.

The first new multi-purpose patrol vessel is set to be delivered in 2021, with six more to follow by 2026. The procurement plan includes an option to order a further three PPA vessels.

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