GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business has been awarded a contract by Singapore shipbuilder ST Engineering Marine Limited to supply its Ship’s Electric Grid with integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) equipment for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s six-ship multi-role combat vessel (MRCV) program.
Electric propulsion systems
Delivery of the electric propulsion systems is planned over the next 10 years. The six MRCVs will reportedly be the first IFEP-powered vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and will replace its fleet of mechanical-drive Victory-class missile corvettes, which have been in service since 1989.
GE Vernova’s Ship’s Electric Grid includes all generators, medium-voltage switchboards, transformers, propulsion variable-frequency drives (VFDs), electric propulsion motors, thruster motors, soft starters, a shore power connection, power management system (PMS) and the propulsion control system (PCS).
The company’s electric grid delivers the electrical power required by the ship’s propulsion and energizes its operational and mission systems, such as radar and communications. The solution can share electric power to any load on the ship’s power network to make the system more energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate than a conventional mechanical drive configuration.
Republic of Singapore Navy’s six multi-role combat vessels
The modular platform design of the RSN’s new MRCVs enables different naval missions requiring electric power. This includes the ability to host unmanned air and surface vehicles, which will expand the area of each vessel’s surveillance capability.
GE Vernova’s Power Conversion UK center of excellence (COE) will be responsible for the equipment design, systems engineering, manufacturing and testing. The execution of the project will be supported by the Power Conversion Asia team based in Singapore, which will oversee project engineering, project management, commissioning and sea trials.
Andy Cooper, general manager at GE Vernova’s Power Conversion UK business, said, “Power Conversion is pleased to equip the RSN’s new MRCVs with electric power. Like so many other navies around the world, the RSN is adopting an electric ship configuration as an enabler for increased levels of power and energy efficiency. Being equipped with an electric grid allows a ship the ability to share every bit of available power throughout the vessel, strengthening its energy surety and even helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
In related news, Team Resolute has chosen GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business in the UK to supply advanced hybrid propulsion technology for three fleet solid support (FSS) ships for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Click here to read the full story.