Americas News
Fuel-Saving Hybrid System For U.S. Navy Newbuild
GE's Power Conversion business said Tuesday it will provide a fuel-saving gas-electric hybrid auxiliary propulsion system (APS) for the U.S. Navy's planned large-deck amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli (LHA-7).
The company said it signed a $10 million contract with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) to supply the APS.
Two GE LM2500+ gas turbines provide the ship's power at full speed, and the APS—or electrical drive train—runs during low-speed operations, when gas turbines are less fuel efficient.
GE Power Conversion has provided similar equipment to other U.S. Navy ships.
"By using our hybrid propulsion technology, the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) has saved more than 4 million gallons of fuel during its seven-month maiden deployment, resulting in an estimated cost savings of $15 million," said Paul English, marine vertical leader for GE Power Conversion.
"This project will allow the U.S. Navy to lower operating costs due to fuel savings provided by a more efficient power and propulsion system.
"It also will help reduce routine maintenance costs and time as well as enable a smaller carbon footprint due to lower fuel expenses."
The ship is scheduled to begin operation in April 2015.
Last month GE Power Conversion announced that it would supply similar propulsion systems to the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) for four new Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) tankers as part of their hybrid propulsion configuration.
