New Rolls-Royce design team focuses on naval ships

OCTOBER 25, 2012 — Rolls-Royce has broadened its capability in ship design with the establishment of a new team dedicated to the development of naval ship designs. It will develop vessels for navies, coast guards and other maritime agencies.

The design team will focus on offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), survey ships and support vessels, rather than combatants.

The new designs will leverage innovative and cost effective technologies from commercial Rolls-Royce ship designs and products, adapted and integrated for the specific requirements of naval operations.

They will include variants of the award winning Environship merchant ship concept, including a replenishment ship for refueling and supplying naval fleets that features a wave piercing bow and hybrid electric propulsion system. It is available in the 9,000 to 25,000 dwt range.

Garry Mills, Rolls-Royce, Chief of Naval Ship Design, said: “There has been a growing trend for commercial marine technology to cross over into the naval market, delivering cost reduction and proven capability. Governmental customers are looking for cost effective and innovative ships and with Rolls-Royce already hugely experienced in ship design, coupled to the world’s largest marine product portfolio, we can offer integrated ‘whole ship’ solutions suited to the demanding roles of the world’s navies.

“Naval vessels typically involve the integration of many disparate and complex technologies, into what tend to be unique ships. We have some exciting designs under development, bringing together world leading capability in propulsion, control systems and deck machinery into advanced hull forms.”