Enhancing manoeuvrability

Rolls-Royce has won a £12m order to supply fuel-efficient manoeuvrability systems, including the Promas integrated propeller and rudder system, for four new cement carrying vessels.

Rolls-Royce

has won a £12m order to supply manoeuvrability systems for four cement-carrying vessels that are due for delivery in 2011 and 2012.

The four 16,800dwt vessels will be operated by the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Group (KGJS).

The order includes the Promas integrated propeller and rudder system, steering gear, tunnel thrusters and deck machinery. The system also includes switchboards, automation systems and an integrated bridge.

According to Rolls-Royce, the Promas can increase propulsive efficiency by between 4 per cent and 6 per cent with improved manoeuvrability at high and low speeds.

Jan A Berntzen, vice-president of projects at KGJS, said: ‘We were looking for a solution to reduce fuel consumption and we are keen to try new technology. The fact that Rolls-Royce has the overall responsibility for design, manufacturing and commissioning of a large marine equipment system was a clear benefit for us. We expect this will create good synergies both during the construction and operation of the vessels.’

The vessels are being built at the Vinashin Group’s Ben Kien shipyard in Hai Phong, Vietnam.