Denmark: Mekanord to Supply Gearboxes for Rolls Royce New Vessels

Gearboxes from Mekanord form an integral part of propulsion solutions from Rolls Royce for several new vessels. Mekanord is e.g. supplying Rolls Royce with gearboxes for two newly developed, gas powered cargo vessels. The two cargo vessels are based on the award-winning “Environship Concept” from Rolls Royce and are equipped with the newest, environmentally friendly propulsion technology from the world-known Group.

Mekanord’s largest gearbox – type 80 – with a weight of 14 tons and a power range of up to 10,000 kW is used for the Rolls Royce propulsion solutions.

The two gas powered cargo vessels have been ordered by the Norwegian transportation company Nor Lines AS and will be delivered in 2013 with an option for two more. The vessels are built in China and will enter service next year, operating along the West Coast of Norway.

Mekanord also supplies Rolls Royce with a gearbox (type 70) for the propulsion system of a new cargo vessel ordered by the Norwegian shipping company Eidsvaag AS. This cargo vessel is also a gas po-wered vessel designed by Rolls Royce and it will be delivered in 2013 from the Norwegian yard STX OSV and used for the transportation of fodder for offshore fish farms.

CEO Søren Klyvø says: ”The Rolls Royce gearbox orders underline Mekanord’s strong competitive posi-tion as well as our reputation as a reliable supplier of high quality gearboxes. Rolls Royce has chosen our gearbox solutions over their own simply because we outmatch them in terms of quality, delivery time and price and because we are capable of customizing our gearboxes meeting the specific requirements of the individual ship design. Rolls Royce is one of the largest and most acknowledged suppliers in the world of engines, gearboxes and propellers for all types of vessels. When they choose Mekanord as their gearbox partner for prestigious projects with new, environmentally friendly ship designs and propulsion systems, it puts us in a very good position underlining our strong competences within this particular field.”

Key facts about the Environship

• The Rolls-Royce Environship concept, received the prestigious Next Generation Ship Award at this year’s NorShipping event in Oslo, Norway.
• The Rolls-Royce Bergen B-Series lean burn gas engines, as used in the Environship, emit around 17 per cent less CO2 (per unit of power) than a diesel engine.
• The use of gas fuelled engines means that Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions are reduced by about 90 per cent while Sulphur Oxide (SOx) emissions are negligible.
• These emissions are already within the limits of IMO (International Maritime Organisation) Tier III environmental legislation, due to come into force in 2016.
• The Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion system is an integrated rudder and propeller, which alone improves efficiency of the vessel by 5 to 8 per cent.
• The new innovative bow shape and hull form, designed by Rolls-Royce, also reduce resistance by up to 8 per cent, therefore reducing fuel burn and emissions further.
• The vertical bow shape enables the vessel to maintain speed even in rough seas enabling operators to achieve demanding shipping schedules without the need to burn additional fuel to make up lost time.

[mappress]

Source: mekanord, March 26, 2012; Image: stxosv