GE Vernova to equip new UK Fleet Solid Support Ships with hybrid-electric propulsion technology
- Team Resolute consortium has chosen GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business in the UK to enhance naval operational efficiency with cutting-edge hybrid-electric propulsion technology for the UK`s Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships
- Collaboration with Navantia UK, the FSS program’s prime contractor, reflects GE Vernova's UK Power Conversion business’ strength in naval propulsion
- This supplier contract award highlights the progression of the program, with delivery of energy-efficient electric propulsion equipment expected to begin in 2025
United Kingdom: GE Vernova's Power Conversion business in the UK has been chosen by Team Resolute to supply advanced hybrid propulsion technology for three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). This collaboration underscores the UK’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of its naval operations.
Team Resolute is a consortium created by Spanish shipbuilder and defense company Navantia, shipbuilder Harland & Wolff and naval architects BMT to deliver the FSS program, for which Navantia UK, the UK subsidiary of Navantia, is prime contractor.
The 216-meter-long ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) will be designed with an emphasis on minimizing carbon emissions. Equipped with energy-efficient technologies to decrease power consumption, they will be adaptable to use low-carbon, non-fossil fuels and future sustainable energy sources.1
GE Vernova’s advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technology will play a pivotal role in realizing these objectives by helping to optimize energy efficiency, power utilization, and power availability for the UK’s new ship class and their multirole missions.
Under the contract, GE Vernova will design and manufacture SeaPulse* Active Front-End (AFE) power converters and Power Take-Off/Power Take-In (PTI/PTO) hybrid electric induction motor-generators with resilient shock mounts and flexible coupling and hosing. The scope of GE Vernova’s contract also includes commissioning, testing, sea trials, certification, and integrated logistics support (ILS) services to help ensure the seamless integration of the hybrid-electric propulsion technology into the FSS ships.
The contract with GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business reflects its proven UK engineering skills and strengthens the position of its UK business as the company’s global Centre of Excellence for naval electric power and propulsion systems. The program is drawing on the UK team’s experts in design and systems engineering, project management and field service engineering, roles that are key in maintaining a significant part of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary fleets.
“The selection of suppliers for FSS ships’ key equipment, such as propulsion technology, is a clear indication that the program is well on track and is aligned with the timetable required by the UK MoD”, said Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK.
“Navantia UK and our partners in the Team Resolute consortium for FSS are proud to partner with GE Vernova, a company which is focused on cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency and decarbonization, as well as supporting UK advanced engineering skills,” he added.
“GE Vernova’s rich background in naval engineering, exemplified by its contributions to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Tide Class fleet tankers, establishes the business as a reliable partner for this important program”, said Andy Cooper, managing director of GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, UK. “We're honored to collaborate with Navantia UK and Team Resolute in electrification technology for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. We are confident that our advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technology will enhance the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's operational efficiency, aligning with the UK's commitment to sustainability.”
GE Vernova has supported the Royal Navy with world-class technology for three decades. The UK MOD's FSS program represents a critical step in enhancing and strengthening the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's capabilities. This modernization effort strengthens the UK's naval logistics infrastructure and supports Carrier Strike vessels by delivering essential supplies. Aligned with the UK Government's National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, the program drives social and economic growth, fostering a resilient local supply chain and bolstering the nation's shipbuilding capacity for economic prosperity.1
Delivery of GE Vernova’s electric propulsion equipment for the first FSS ship is scheduled for 2025, with the second and third vessels planned for 2026 and 2027.