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Rolls-Royce propulsion package picked for Polar ship

Written by Nick Blenkey
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MARCH 27, 2015 — Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract by shipbuilder Fincantieri to supply a fully integrated propulsion system for Norway’s new Polar Research Vessel, which will carry out significant environmental research at the North and South Poles.

The Rolls-Royce system includes gen sets with a power electric system, a range of thrusters and automation and control systems.

The 100 m long x 21 m beam vessel, to be named FF Kronprins Haakon, is a NVC 395 POLAR design from Rolls-Royce ordered by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research. Detailed design will be carried out by Fincantieri.

It is designed to operate through rough ice conditions, and will be equipped to cover a wide range of marine research operations, such as monitoring fishing stocks, metrological studies, sea floor sampling and mapping.

“We have drawn on our expertise in both offshore and specialized ships to deliver a solution for a technology-intensive vessel that can operate in the harshest environments,” said John Knudsen, Rolls-Royce, President – Commercial Marine. “We are delighted to be working with Fincantieri teams in Italy and Norway, to deliver this exciting project and continue the long and successful relationship between our companies.”

The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Polar Institute act as consultants to Norwegian authorities, contributing to the maintenance of administration standards in Norwegian waters and polar areas to ensure they remain some of the best-preserved wilderness areas in the world.

Rolls-Royce will supply two Bergen B32:40L9ACD and two Bergen B32:40L6ACD diesel gensets, together with a power electric system, azimuth main thrusters (of type US ARC 0.8) and Polar tunnel thrusters. A range of electrical systems will also be included.

Construction will take place at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyards Riva Trigoso-Muggiano, in Italy, before undergoing final outfitting activities in Norway at Fincantieri Group member Vard’s Langsten shipyard..

The vessel is expected to be in operation from 2017.

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