Rolls-Royce Power Systems, the Germany-based business unit of UK-based global major propulsion and power systems group Rolls-Royce, has been awarded a contract to provide variable speed generator sets (gensets) for the German Navy’s new F126 frigates, the group announced on Monday. The contract is for 16 mtu Series 4000 diesel gensets, which will provide the new warships with their onboard power. Each of the four planned F126s will have four such gensets.

The contract was placed with Power Systems by Damen Naval, the Netherlands-based shipbuilding group responsible for the F126 programme. Although the Rolls-Royce and Damen groups have long cooperated in the sphere of shipbuilding, this is the first time that Damen has ordered mtu naval diesel gensets. However, it is not the first F126 contract awarded to Rolls-Royce by Damen. In January of this year, the shipbuilder ordered mtu NautiQ Master integrated platform management system and NautiQ Foresight condition monitoring system for the new frigates.

“We are extremely proud to once again be chosen by Damen Naval as partner in this very important and prestigious project,” affirmed Rolls-Royce Power Systems director sales: governmental Paul Röck. “Our advanced sustainable solutions for both power and control of the F126 vessels will play a key role in ensuring the frigates’ reliability, efficiency, and operational success.”

“We are delighted to announce the news of this contract and the fact we have found another German partner for this prestigious and important project for the Bundeswehr [German armed forces],” highlighted Damen Naval MD Hein van Ameijden. “We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce and its mtu solutions again.”

Rolls-Royce described the mtu Series 4000 units are the most environment-friendly naval gensets it has ever produced. They were fitted with cutting edge mtu selective catalytic reduction systems, allowing them to meet the International Maritime Organisation Tier III emission standards. Because they can run at variable speeds, the gensets are efficient and reduce both fuel consumption and maintenance. The contract to supply the gensets also covers an integrated logistics support package.

The F126 frigate is designed to be a long-range high-endurance multimission warship. With a planned displacement of 10 400 t, these will be the biggest German warships since the end of the Second World War. They will make extensive use of modularised systems, enabling them to fulfil a wide variety of roles. They will have a waterline length of 155 m and have a core crew of 110 but also be able to accommodate up to 70 extra personnel. They are designed for extended operations far from Germany (for example, in the Indian Ocean) and the first is expected to enter operation in 2028.